[Transfrontonasal approach: development of a mixed approach to ethmoid tumors. Experience of 12 cases]

Our experience in approaching ethmoid tumors through a combined pathway is currently based on 81 patients. 69 of them were malignant tumors treated by the neurosurgical subfrontal and paralateronasal transfacial rhinological approach. For the past two years, we have adopted the technical modification described in Bordeaux by Pinsolle and San-Galli enabling the approach of the ethmoid bone by means of a unique (Unterberger's scalp) incision and a unical frontonasal flap. 12 patients benefitted from this transfrontofacial access. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are discussed.