Endoscopic minimal access surgery in nasal and sinus tumours: lessons from initial experience

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Endoscopic techniques are increasingly used for nose and paranasal sinus tumors.
• While accepted for benign conditions, their role in malignant disease remains debated.
• Advances in technology and surgical skills have driven the adoption of Endoscopic Minimal Access Surgery (EMAS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial experience with Endoscopic Minimal Access Surgery (EMAS) in treating a cohort of patients with nose and paranasal sinus tumors.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of EMAS in both curative and debulking/palliative settings.
• To contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the place of endoscopic approaches in managing malignant sinonasal tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 33 patients managed with EMAS for nose and paranasal sinus tumors.
• Categorization of cases into curative (27 patients) and debulking/palliative (6 patients) groups.
• Emphasis on a structured evaluation within a Clinical Network and Multi-Disciplinary Team setting with planned follow-up.

Main Results:

• EMAS was applied to 33 patients, with 27 undergoing curative procedures and 6 receiving debulking/palliative treatment.
• Initial experience suggests EMAS is a viable option for benign tumors and is being cautiously explored for malignant conditions.
• The transition from benign to malignant tumor treatment with EMAS requires careful, structured evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic Minimal Access Surgery (EMAS) is gaining acceptance for benign sinonasal tumors.
• The application of EMAS in malignant sinonasal tumors warrants continued, cautious, and structured evaluation.
• A multi-disciplinary team approach and long-term follow-up are crucial for assessing the role of EMAS in complex cases.