The Analysis of Patients Operated for Frontal Sinus Osteomas

Paranasal sinus osteomas are benign tumors that are smooth-walled, slow-growing, and induced by bone tissue. Although their most common localization is the frontal sinus, some osteomas are seen in the ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses. Frontal sinus osteomas are often asymptomatic; however, when they become symptomatic, headache is the most common complaint. In this study, we aimed to analyze the postoperative results of patients who were diagnosed with frontal sinus osteoma and were operated with appropriate surgical techniques.

We retrospectively evaluated 14 patients who were diagnosed with frontal sinus osteoma and were operated in our department between March 2009 and July 2014. The following parameters were analyzed: patients' age and gender, complaints at the time of admission to our clinic, pathological findings from physically examination, tumor features observed in preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (size and localization), surgical methods applied, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrence rates. All patients preoperatively provided informed consent.

Of the 14 patients, 7 were males and 7 were females, with a mean age of 40.57 years. A total of 11 (79%) osteomas were located within the frontal sinus and 3 (21%) within the frontal recess. External surgical approach was performed to 11 patients, endoscopic approach was performed to 2 patients and external and endoscopic approach was performed to 1 patient together.

Although the preferred surgical method in frontal sinus osteoma depends depended on size and localization of tumors, experience of surgeon is also important. Although the external surgical approach is appropriate for large and laterally localized osteomas, the endoscopic approach is appropriate for small and inferomedially localized osteomas. In both surgical approaches the site of origin should be drilled.