Midfacial degloving approach for malignant maxillary tumors

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Otolaryngology
• Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Malignant tumors of the maxillary sinus require surgical intervention for resection.
• Preserving functional tissue integrity and achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes are critical in midfacial tumor surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the midfacial degloving technique for malignant maxillary sinus tumor extirpation.
• To assess the functional, aesthetic, and complication profiles of this surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• The midfacial degloving technique was employed in 14 patients with malignant maxillary sinus tumors between 1999 and 2003.
• The procedure involved specific incisions (sublabial, intercartilaginous, septocolumellar, pyriform aperture) for tumor exposure.
• Immediate reconstruction of palatal defects utilized prosthetic obturators.

Main Results:

• Successful tumor resection was achieved in all patients using the midfacial degloving approach without significant immediate complications.
• Postoperative facial edema resolved within a week; oral infection occurred in 4% of patients.
• Nasal crusting and infraorbital hypoesthesia were temporary sequelae, resolving within 2-3 months.

Conclusions:

• The midfacial degloving approach offers superior exposure of the midface, yielding excellent cosmetic results for sinonasal malignancy treatment.
• This technique, potentially combined with maxillary down fracture, is a valuable procedure with low mortality and high aesthetic satisfaction.
• It facilitates adequate tumor resection while preserving functional tissue integrity.