Evaluation of results of temporal bone resection

The results of 16 cases of temporal bone resection were evaluated. The resections, 12 of which were total and 4 partial, had mostly been performed for squamous cell carcinoma invading the temporal bone. Five patients in whom the intervention was considered radical and not followed by irradiation, were alive and well 9 years or more later. The significance of postoperative radiotherapy was demonstrated in 3 patients who were alive and in good health 9 years or more later, although histological examination of resection margins showed residual tumour. Eight patients died 10 months to 5 1/3 years after operation, 6 of whom from recurrence, one from radiation necrosis of the temporal lobe of the brain, and one from cerebrovascular occlusion. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma was found significantly more among the patients who died from recurrence than among those still living.