• Iman Feiz-Erfan, Patrick P Han, Robert F Spetzler, Randall W Porter, Jeffrey D Klopfenstein, Mauro A T Ferreira, Stephen P Beals, and Edward F Joganic.
• Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
• Neurosurgery. 2005 Jan 1; 56 (1 Suppl): 28-35; discussion 28-35.

ObjectiveA single-stage combined craniofacial-transfacial approach that exposes the midline cranial base without visible facial incisions is described.MethodsBetween 1992 and 1998, eight patients underwent surgery for five different anterior cranial base pathological findings: four angiofibromas, one mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, one esthesioneuroblastoma, one odontogenic myxoma, and one encephalocele. In all cases, the surgical exposure consisted of a bicoronal scalp incision with a bifrontal craniotomy and fronto-orbitonasal osteotomy, and then a sublabial incision for transmaxillary exposure.ResultsGross total resection was achieved in five cases. The encephalocele was resected with complete reconstruction of the bony defect. Seven patients developed complications, primarily wound infections, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and anemia. Postoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores ranged between 80 and 100 (mean, 92.5). Long-term follow-up information (mean, 56 mo; median, 59.5 mo; range, 5-108 mo) was available for all patients.ConclusionLarge anterior cranial base lesions can be resected and excellent cosmetic outcomes can be achieved with a single-stage combined transfacial-craniofacial approach that exposes the entire midline cranial base and requires no facial incisions.

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