Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Lateral Molar Approach-Driven Transoral Endoscopic Procedure for Benign Infratemporal Fossa Tumor Resection
Published on: August 15, 2025
Ethmoidal adenocarcinoma treated by exclusive endoscopic approach: Focus on learning curve and modification of
Natalie Oker1,2, Benjamin Verillaud1,2, Michel Wassef3,2
1Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, Cedex, France.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome and recurrences for ethmoidal adenocarcinomas treated by exclusive endoscopic surgery in curative intent and investigate the role of the learning curve.
Methods:
We conducted a single-center retrospective study, including 60 patients separated in 2 groups (2002-2011 n = 28 and 2012-2015 n = 32).
Results:
The global survival rate at 5 years was 72.6%, and the global and local recurrence rates were 21.6% and 13.3%, respectively. The learning curve had significant impact on global survival at 2 years (93.8% vs 77.8%) and on overall and local recurrences, despite the higher rate of T4 classifications in the latter group. This learning curve could be explained by the evolution toward large endoscopic resection, bilateral, with resection of the cribriform plate, and eventually medial maxillectomy, and started on the healthy side.
Conclusion:
For selected cases, exclusive endoscopic resection of ethmoid adenocarcinoma achieves results at least as good as craniofacial resection when performed by an experienced cranial base team and including a large endoscopic resection.
