Management of malignant tumors of the anterior and anterolateral skull base.

OBJECT: Malignant tumors of the skull base represent a group of diverse and infrequent lesions. Comprehensive oncological management requires a multidisciplinary team of neurological surgeons, otolaryngologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, and medical oncologists. The authors describe an institutional experience in performing 54 combined anterior-anterolateral cranial base resections for malignant disease.

METHODS: The technical considerations for preoperative workup, surgical approach, resection, and reconstruction are outlined and illustrated. Considerations for complication management and avoidance are detailed.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality (0%) and morbidity rates (18%) are acceptable. The influence on the natural history of the disease process is an ongoing study.