Giant osteoid osteoma of ethmoid sinus: role of functional endoscopic sinus surgery

A case of giant ethmoid osteoma treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery is described. The tumour was closely adherent to the surrounding anatomical structures--lamina papyracea, cribriform plate, spheno-ethmoidal recess--and protruded into the nasopharynx. Complete removal of the tumour, under general anaesthesia, using intranasal drill and diode L.A.S.E.R, was achieved. The principal aspects in favour of this surgical technique vs. open procedures (fronto-basal craniotomy, supraciliar and coronal approach) are discussed. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is herewith concluded to be a convenient and safe technique with advantages over the open procedures, widely used in the past. The reduced morbidity, length of hospital stay and better cosmetic results are distinct advantages of this technique that has the potential to become the treatment of choice for selected ethmoid tumours, such as giant osteoma, described in the present report.