[Cranial base surgery]

A review of 172 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for cranial base tumors was undertaken to determine efficacy and complication rate. 95% of the tumors were benign or of low grade malignancy; 24% were greater than 4.5 cm in diameter and 34% were 3-4.5 cm; 32 were petro/clival and 17 cavernous sinus tumors. Radical tumor resection was attained in 60% and subtotal (> 90% of volume) in 35%. The mean preoperative Karnofsky functional score was 72, which postoperatively had improved significantly to 83.5 patients (2.9%) died perioperatively, and later an additional 3 died of their disease; 3/5 died following reoperation at other hospitals. 3 (1.7%) had major, prolonged deterioration following surgery. This series presents experience with, and demonstrates overall high quality outcome, in patients with cranial base tumors at a center with special interest in and facilities for cranial base surgery.