A 5-year review of 71 consecutive anterior skull base tumours

Techniques used in craniofacial surgery have found extensive application in the management of skuIl base tumours. The improved exposure gained via ost eotomies for facial disassembly has facilitated the en-bloc resection of tu mours with clear surgical margins, and the advent of vascularised seals has significantly reduced the risk of meningeal contamination. We present our experience with the extirpation and reconstruction of 7 I benign and malign ant tumours of the anterior skull base over a 5-year period. Survival and f unctional outcome data an presented. with an emphasis an the wide range of pathologies and primary treatment strategies seen at presentation. Criteria used in flap selection and the role of prosthetics are discussed. Observat ions are offered on salvage surgery, demonstrating that excellent palliatio n can be achieved, even in cases with massive recurrent disease. (C) 2000 T he British Association of Plastic Surgeons.