Microsurgical treatment of midfacial tumours involving the skull base

Various approaches to the base of the skull for the treatment of cranial base tumours are described in detail. Advantages and disadvantages of the particular approaches are discussed. This clinical experience is based on 303 neoplasms involving the base of the skull, operated on by the authors. Retrospective survival studies are presented and a review of the literature on the subject is discussed. Utilizing microsurgical techniques the 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were also dramatically superior compared with standard ablative procedures. Reconstructive postoperative strategies are suggested.