Endoscopically assisted anterior cranial skull base resection of sinonasaltumors

The traditional approach to sinonasal tumors involving the base of skull ha s been the anterior craniofacial resection. Endoscopic techniques have crea ted the potential to approach the intranasal aspect of skull base lesions w ithout external incisions and still develop an en bloc resection wizen remo ved We report our initial experience with skull base neoplasms in which the otolaryngic portion of the standard resection was accomplished instead thr ough an endoscopic approach. The nature of lesions favorable for this appro ach and associated technical issues are discussed. Although we do not consi der this approach a replacement for the traditional anterior craniofacial r esection, it is an important adjunct in the skull base surgeon's armamentar ium.