Physical morbidity by surgical approach and tumor location in skull base surgery

Head Neck. 2013 Apr;35(4):493-9. doi: 10.1002/hed.23006. Epub 2012 May 11.

Abstract

Background: Skull base tumors are associated with physical symptoms that vary depending on location and surgical approach.

Methods: Skull base surgery patients (n = 138) were retrospectively reviewed and physical symptoms were quantified. Patients were divided into 4 groups by surgical approach (open, endoscopic) and tumor location (anterior, central). Multivariate analyses determined odds for symptom development.

Results: Patients with anterior lesions presented with more nasal symptoms compared to those with central lesions (63% vs 6.8%; p < .001). Those with central lesions presented with more neurologic (41.1% vs 12.3%; p < .001) and endocrine symptoms (19.2% vs 0%; p < .001). Three of 4 groups experienced a reduction in neurologic and visual symptoms after surgery. One group (endoscopic/central) experienced a reduction in endocrine and an increase in nasal symptoms. Anterior tumors (p = .02) and endoscopic approaches (p = .002) predicted increased nasal morbidity.

Conclusion: Physical morbidity from skull base tumors may vary based on tumor location and surgical approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Endoscopy / adverse effects
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morbidity
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skull Base / pathology*
  • Skull Base / surgery
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery