[Malignant tumors of the ethmoid region. Neurosurgical techniques]

We describe the main neurosurgical approaches in use for removing cancers of the ethmoid region: a) the classical subfrontal procedure usually combined with a transfacial approach, b) the sub-fronto-orbito-nasal approach (SFON) now performed in a majority of procedures as long as the tumor does not present with a large intra-cranial and/or maxillary extension. The advantages and drawbacks of both techniques are discussed. The progressive simplification of techniques for anterior cranial base reconstruction is explained and warranted.