Craniofacial resection for tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses--a 17-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The rarity of sinonasal tumors has precluded long-term follow-up of large series of craniofacial resections until now.

METHODS: A series of 209 patients suffering from a wide range of histologies who had undergone craniofacial resection for sinonasal neoplasia with up to 17 years' follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS: An overall actuarial survival of 51% at 5 years and 41% at 10 years was found for the cohort as a whole. For malignant tumors, the 5-year actuarial survival was 44%, falling to 32% at 10 years. For benign pathology, the actuarial survival was 75% at both 5 and 10 years. Statistical analysis identified three factors which significantly affect outcome and survival: malignant histology, brain involvement, and orbital involvement. Few complications are associated with the surgery, with the mean post-operative stay being 16 days.

CONCLUSIONS: The improved survival and minimal morbidity and mortality associated with craniofacial resection make it the optimum approach to sinonasal tumors.