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Functional endoscopic sinus surgery consistently benefits from good anatomical knowledge and modern imaging techniques. Ethmoid air cells migrate in specific topographical sites near the ethmoid. Posterior ethmoid air cells that descend into the maxillary sinus (MS) are ethmomaxillary sinuses (EMSs) that into the superior nasal meatus. Few previous studies found EMSs in 0.68% to 16.48% of cases. An EMS differs from a Haller's infraorbital cell nearing the ethmoidal infundibulum. A posterior ethmoid air cell intercalated between the ethmoid, MS and sphenoidal sinus is a Sieur's cell, but it could also be regarded as an EMS. An EMS should be discriminated from a maxillary recess of the sphenoidal sinus. An EMS could determine Onodi's maxillary bulla into the MS. The false duplicate MS described by Zuckerkandl consists of a MS draining into the middle nasal meatus adjoined by an EMS draining into the superior nasal meatus. These are separated by the ethmomaxillary septum. The latter may be confused with an intrasinus septum of the MS if the drainage pathways are not adequately documented. Therefore, a case-by-case anatomic identification of the pneumatic spaces nearing the MS should be performed before surgical endoscopic approaches of the nose and sinuses., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Purpose: The anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) are clinically relevant. The anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) can be used to locate the initial site of the AEA, and the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a constant bony marker in the anterior nasal atrium. However, there is no relevant research on AEF and ANS targeting the AEA. Hence, this study aimed to accurately locate the AEA through AEF and ANS using computed tomography., Methods: A total of 120 (240 sides) sinus computed tomography scans were retrospectively selected and studied. The AEA was classified into grades I, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ group based on the relationship between the AEA and the skull base. The distance between AEF and ANS and the angle between AEF-ANS and the axial plane were measured., Results: The average distance from AEF to ANS was 58.26±3.64 mm, and the corresponding angle was 60.05±5.93 degrees. The AEF-ANS distances and angles were negatively correlated with age. Moreover, the distances from AEF to ANS were significantly increased in the grade Ⅲ group compared with the grade Ⅱ group., Conclusion: The measurements obtained in this study add anatomic knowledge that can serve as a better intraoperative localization method of the AEA, which can help surgeons avoid relative complications during endoscopic sinus surgery., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: Surgery to anterior skull base is challenging since complex structures are involved. Injury of olfactory fila and optic nerve may result in postoperative complications. In our study, the authors aim to use computer topographic image to provide a comprehensive anatomical information of anterior skull base and set up a new classification of optic canal (OC) in ethmoid sinus by the degree of bony defect, so as to help surgeons in endoscopic transnasal approach to anterior skull base., Method: Computer topographic angiography images of 112 individuals were reviewed, the measurement was performed on coronal, sagittal, and axis planes after the multiplanar reformation. Nostril and mid-sagittal lines were used to locate the anterior, middle, and posterior part of ethmoidal foramina and orbital opening of OC. Further, the authors classified OC in ethmoidal sinus into 4 types by the degree of the bony defect., Result: Distance between nostril to anterior, middle, and posterior part of ethmoidal foramina and OC are 6.23 ± 0.21, 6.62 ± 0.26, 7.29 ± 0.25, and 7.76 ± 0.41 mm, respectively. Angle between line from nostril to ethmoidal foramina and horizontal plane are 47.50° ± 1.03°, 41.67° ± 1.33°, 37.20° ± 1.34°, respectively. For the 4 types of OC, the percentage is 15.6%, 11.6%, 31.3%, and 41.5%, respectively., Conclusions: Our findings provide anatomical information of ethmoidal foramina and OC during endoscopic transnasal approach to anterior skull base, on the basis of some fixed anatomical landmarks. So as to enhance the surgical safety of this procedure and aid in the choice of the appropriate endoscopic equipment for the procedure., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Objectives: Paranasal sinus mucocele is a benign cystic lesion, lined with respiratory epithelium and filled with mucoid secretions, which is generally seen in the ethmoid or frontal sinuses. Inflammation, trauma, fibrosis, neoplasm, and previous surgery play a role in etiology. Treatment of this condition requires marsupialization and drainage. Endoscopic surgery is the gold standard procedure., Methods: A 2-year-old boy was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of bilateral ethmoid mucocele causing proptosis in the right eye. General clinical examinations and routine blood analysis revealed normal health condition of the patient and comorbidities such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and/or ciliary dysfunction were excluded. The patient was operated with an endoscopic endonasal approach., Results: As far as we know, our article reports the first case of bilateral ethmoidal sinus mucocele with no underlying comorbidity, such as cystic fibrosis or ciliary dyskinesia., Conclusions: Children are rarely affected by mucocele and if present at early age, there is usually an underlying cause. In pediatric patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of a mucocele, it is important to rule out other benign and malignant paranasal sinus pathologies. Marsupialization and drainage via endoscopic endonasal approach is the preferred treatment modality., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Purpose: The aim of this work is to demonstrate the outcomes of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) with anterior ethmoid sinus mucosal and posterior lacrimal sac flap anastomosing in patients with previous failed DCR., Methods: The clinical data of patients who suffered from recurrent epiphora after failed DCR between September 2014 and March 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, those who received the second En-DCR procedure were enrolled in this study. During the surgery, anterior ethmoidectomy was performed. Posterior lacrimal sac flap was apposed closely to the mucosal of anterior ethmoid sinus instead of nasal flap at end of the surgery. Patients were followed up more than 12 months were included, the success rate and complications were recorded., Results: Sixty-one eyes of 61 patients were enrolled in the study. The success rate of our modified En-DCR was 83.6% (51/61). Among 10 eyes with postoperative obstruction, 4 eyes caused by granuloma, 2 eyes caused by scar synechia, 2 eyes caused by membranous obstruction, and 2 eyes caused by common canalicular stenosis. No serious complications such as orbital fat prolapse, cerebrospinal fluid leak, sinusitis, or visual impairment were occurred in this study., Conclusion: Endoscopic approach with anterior ethmoid sinus mucosal and posterior lacrimal sac flap anastomosing is a good choice for patients with recurrent epiphora after previous failed DCR., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Ethmoid sinus osteomas are rare, benign, encapsulated neoplasms of the paranasal region. They can lead to various complications such as sinusitis, orbital cellulitis, proptosis, and diplopia. The treatment protocol of these lesions changed remarkably as powered instrumentation of functional endoscopic sinus surgery evolved and otolaryngologists gained experience. Here, the authors report a 30-year-old female who was diagnosed with a giant right-sided ethmoid sinus osteoma and discuss diagnostic and treatment modalities of these lesions in consonance with the current literature.

Objective: To investigate the impact of the presence and the severity of the nasal septal deviation (NSD) on the paranasal pneumatization., Methods: Initially, the deviated and contralateral sides was compared to evaluate the impact of the presence of NSD on pneumatization. Then, NSD classification groups were categorized according to the severity of deviation degree; 1: mild (<9°), 2: moderate (9°-15°), and 3: severe (>15°). Pneumatization of all paranasal sinuses, osteomeatal complex (OMC), frontoethmoid recess (FER) and variant structures were compared according to the NSD classification groups separately both for the deviated and the contralateral sides., Results: Although there was no statistically significant difference in pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses between the deviated and contralateral sides, a significant difference was observed in OMC and FER diameters. In the deviated side, there was statistically significant difference in ethmoid sinus volume, in FER and OMC diameters between NSD classification groups. In the contralateral side, FER and OMC diameters were found to be significantly different between group 1 and group 2 and between group 1 and group 3, respectively (P = 0.04 and 0.06, respectively). Both the presence and severity of the NSD did not statistically significant influence the pneumatization of variant structures, air cells and vital structures., Conclusion: The severity of NSD effects the ethmoid sinus volume. The relationship of FER and OMC with NSD is evident, however this may not always be in a proportional pattern. The paranasal pneumatization did not affect Keros type, bone integrity of carotid canal and optic canal.

Osteomas are benign, slow-growing tumors originating from bone tissue. Osteomas of the paranasal region, which are usually asymptomatic, are detected incidentally on tomographies taken for other medical needs. Paranasal sinus osteomas frequently localized in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses are among the infrequent reasons for headaches. In this case report, the authors submit the first case of an osteoma that was localized inside the middle concha bullosa and causing headache. It was successfully excised via an endoscopic endonasal approach without any complications.

Ocular hypertelorism was introduced by Greig as an increased interpupillary distance. The paranasal sinus mucoceles are acquired lesions for various reasons; however, their behavior is progressive, capable of eroding the bone and extending to the orbital and intracranial regions. The objective is to present a clinical case of orbital hypertelorism secondary to mucocele in the paranasal sinuses. This is a 72-year-old male patient who came presenting an increase in volume in the right nasoorbitoethmoidal region. The isodense lesion occupying the maxillary and right ethmoidal sinuses was confirmed by an intimate relationship with the ipsilateral frontal and sphenoidal sinus, with osteolytic involvement of the orbit and nasal region. After incisional biopsy with mucocele results, a wide resection plus facial reconstruction was performed with autologous grafts and osteosynthesis material. Currently, the patient has 1 year of evolution, without significant functional commitment. It is important to consider giant mucoceles as part of the differential diagnoses in patients with deformities in the middle and upper third of the face.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor and it is very rare in head and neck region. If it arises in this area, most common localizations of this tumor are mandible and maxilla and ethmoid sinus is very rare site for this malignancy. A 43-year-old female admitted to our clinic with the complaint of pain in the right half of the face and headache persisting for 2 months. According to the clinical symptoms and imaging studies, sinonasal ossifying fibroma was suspected. For this reason, patient was operated endoscopically and histopathological examination revealed that osteoid matrix producing atypical osteoblastic cells so these findings identified osteoblastic variant OS. This article is about a very rare case of OS of ethmoid sinus. The differential diagnosis, general characteristics, and classification of this tumor, radiological features, and surgical techniques are also presented.

Osteomas are slow-growing, benign bony tumors. Most are asymptomatic. Paranasal sinus osteoma in the pediatric population is rare; hence, there are few reports of symptomatic osteomas. The authors report the case of a giant ethmoid sinus osteoma in an 11-year-old girl who presented with diplopia and proptosis. Total excision and reconstruction of the medial orbital wall were performed via a coronal approach. The postoperative period was uneventful, the child's vision improved, and a good cosmetic result was obtained.

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is believed to be attributable to intraosseous circulatory disturbance. An ABC is a vascular tumor of the bone caused by bony expansion after partial vascular occlusion and congestion. Most ABCs are found in adolescents (approximately 75% of ABCs are observed in patients under 20 years of age). The most common ABC sites are the long bones of the limbs, the vertebrae, and the cranial bone. Aneurysmal bone cysts in the skull base or ethmoid sinus have been but rarely reported worldwide. The authors report on a patient with a very large ABC in the skull base and the ethmoid sinus; this was successfully managed by a neurosurgeon.

Craniopharyngiomas are benign but aggressive epithelial tumors usually originating in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland from squamous remnants of an incompletely involuted craniopharingeal duct developing from the Rathke pouch. To the authors' knowledge only 1 patient of a primary isolated ethmoidal craniopharyngioma has been reported in the literature.The authors report the case of a 17-year-old boy with a primary extracranial ethmoidal craniopharyngioma. An endoscopic endonasal approach was employed to resect the tumor. After 2 years of clinical and radiological follow-up no recurrence of disease was observed.Primary ethmoidal craniopharyngiomas are rare entities and biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. However, a preoperative assessment by means of nasal endoscopy, computed tomography scan, and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is mandatory to better evaluate the extension and characteristics of the tumor. The endoscopic endonasal technique is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of these lesions.

Repairing a large inferomedial blowout fracture remains a challenge to orbital surgeon. The authors restored the fracture using combined transnasal and transorbital approaches using support of both paranasal sinuses. The authors compared surgical results of this novel method with those of the traditional procedure. Of 106 inferomedial blowout fracture patients who underwent surgical treatment between March 2007 and July 2013, 50 patients were selected in our study: 25 patients underwent the traditional procedure as controls, and the other 25 patients underwent orbital wall restoring surgery by our combined approach. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of the orbital volume ratio (OVR) and changes in Hertel scale. The OVR in the experimental group (7.19%) decreased more significantly than in the control group (2.71%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the orbit was restored more successfully following orbital wall restoring surgery with dual support than by using the traditional inferomedial blowout fracture procedure.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign progressive fibro-osseous lesion that is rarely associated with mucocele formation. This complication most probably results from the involvement and subsequent occlusion of the recesses of the sinuses by the dysplastic process. The frontoethmoid mucocele associated with FD represents a rare pathology, but it is important to consider this in the differential diagnosis of patients with proptosis, visual disturbance, and bony fronto-orbital swellings. Here, we describe the first case of frontoethmoid mucocele with underlying craniofacial FD, which was successfully treated by wide marsupialization via the transnasal endoscopic approach.

Giant paranasal sinus osteomas are rare tumors that may be very closely adherent to surrounding anatomical structures, and complete removal of these tumors may be very challenging. We report 6 cases of giant paranasal sinus osteomas that were removed completely and discussed their symptoms, diagnostic workup, and our surgical approach. We reviewed the patient files of our 6 cases with giant paranasal osteomas and summarized their history, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and follow-up. Three of our patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery; the other 2 patients underwent open surgical approach (osteoplastic flap procedure with bicoronal incision), and 1 patient underwent both endoscopic and open approaches, all under general anesthesia. Mean patient age was 42.6 years (range, 18-54 years). Main symptoms were headache, proptosis, and diplopia. Physical examination findings include proptosis and frontal puffiness. Paranasal sinus computed tomography revealed larger than 3-cm-diameter tumors in the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. The surgical approach to each case was customized to the location, size, and presenting symptoms of the osteoma. Histopathology revealed osteoma in all cases. All patients were evaluated with paranasal sinus computed tomography scan postoperatively. At a mean follow-up of 15 months, complication was observed in 1 patient; no residual tumor or recurrence was detected following surgery. In symptomatic cases with huge tumors, open, endoscopic, or combined approaches could be applied because of the location and size of the tumor with successful outcomes. Both endoscopic and open approaches are safe and effective methods for removal of these tumors.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to locate the constant anatomic landmarks for anterior skull base surgery via endoscopic transnasal approach in Chinese subjects., Methods: Eight cases of adult skull specimens (all Chinese) were dissected by the endoscopic transnasal approach. The relationships of the anatomic landmarks under endoscopic view were characterized. The distance between the columella and the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA) or the posterior ethmoid artery (PEA) was measured., Results: The uncinate process attached to the lamina papyracea in 7 sides (43.8%), to the skull base in 4 sides (25%), and to the middle turbinate in 3 sides (18.8%). In addition, the uncinate process was found to have bifurcated attachment in 2 sides (12.5%).The mean ± SD distance from the columella to the AEA was 62.71 ± 2.18 mm on the right side and 63.38 ± 1.69 mm on the left side. The mean ± SD distance from the columella to the PEA was 70.91 ± 1.99 mm on the right side and 71.79 ± 1.95 mm on the left side., Conclusions: The frontal recess, the AEA, and the PEA can serve as the constant landmarks in the transnasal endoscopic approach to the anterior skull base.

Objective: The surgical approach through nasal and ethmoid cells to sphenoid sinus is a common clinical method to do the decompression of the optic canal. During this surgery, we can follow landmarks such as ethmoidal arteries. However, when we do the surgery, it is possible to open excessively in lateral operation and damage orbital medial wall. To prevent this from happening, we do a lot of measurements to estimate the distance in lateral operation. We hope to give surgeons some help in clinical use., Methods: We chose 120 brain imaging findings that showed a normal appearance in our measuring area by means of three-dimensional reconstruction based on high-resolution spiral computed tomography scans. We chose several anatomic landmarks and measured the distances in lateral operation and located a projection point for directing this surgery., Results: The mean values of distance from dacryon and the anterior foramen of the optic canal to the index plane were 5.439 ± 2.4496 and 9.334 ± 2.0628 mm. The mean values of distance from trisection points to the orbital medial wall were 7.359 ± 2.2262 and 6.911 ± 2.3102 mm. The mean value of distance from the projection point to the ipsilateral outer edge of the supraorbital notch was 30.379 ± 5.3676 mm. There are no significant differences for all the distance between the left side and right side. The median of right-side angle between the straight line connecting both sides of the outer edge of supraorbital notch and the straight line connecting the projection point with the ipsilateral outer edge of the supraorbital notch is larger than the left one and has a less variation than the left one., Conclusions: The lateral distance in surgical operation is consistent among individuals, which can give a safe area to surgeons in lateral operation. The location of the projection point gives surgeons an indication of direction to this surgery.

Pneumocephalus is an exceedingly rare complication associated with neurological deficit in cases of frontoethmoid osteoma. The overarching management strategy for affected patients remains undefined. We describe the case of a 61-year-old female patient presenting with frontoethmoid osteoma manifesting as profound intraparenchymal pneumocephalus and associated neurological deficit, treated through a minimally invasive combined surgical strategy involving image-guided burr hole decompression of the pneumocephalus followed by transnasal endoscopic removal of the tumor. Using this approach, the patient rapidly recovered full neurologic function. We review the existing literature and, given the likely intraparenchymal location of pneumocephalus associated with these lesions with the potential of rapid clinical deterioration, recommend aggressive surgical management. Although these lesions can be removed from a purely endoscopic approach, we recommend burr-hole decompression of the pneumocephalus as an adjunct to ensure prompt resolution of the neurologic symptoms.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is an uncommon, benign, bone-forming neoplasm seen in the craniofacial bones. It is distinguished from other fibro-osseous lesions primarily by its age at onset, clinical presentation, and potential aggressive behavior. Occasionally JOF may grow aggressively and extend to involve the orbits and skull base, resulting in serious cosmetic and functional problems. A radical surgery is not advisable in a pediatric age group. We describe a case of JOF of the maxilla removed by sublabial approach conservatively, but completely without compromising the aesthetic looks of the young patient.

Osteoma is a benign tumor that is composed of compact or cancellous bone. It is the most common benign neoplasm of the paranasal sinus, and ethmoid sinuses are the second most common sites of paranasal sinus osteoma. The symptoms of ethmoid sinus osteoma can give rise to various kinds and extent of symptoms. In symptomatic cases, surgical management is necessary, but appropriate surgical approach to the ethmoid sinus is not clearly established. We describe 2 male patients with a diagnosis of blow-out fractures after trauma; ethmoid sinus osteoma on preoperative computed tomography scans was coincidentally found, and the surgical correction was done simultaneously. The purpose of this article was to present the successful surgical removal of ethmoid osteoma through lamina papyracea and transcaruncular approach, resulting in both successful surgical correction and good cosmetic outcome.

The orbit is an unusual site for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and concurrent metastases of RCC to the ethmoid sinus and the orbit occur very rarely. The treatment goal of orbital and paranasal metastatic RCC is total exenteration. We report a rare case of metastatic RCC to the orbit and the ethmoid sinus. The patient underwent total exenteration, craniotomy, and total maxillectomy. Six years after surgery, the patient showed no sign of metastasis and had successful cosmetic result by using orbital prosthesis.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is noted for its high rate of recurrence. Although many clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the endoscopic approach for IP, only a few published reports have studied the efficacy of endoscopic surgery for recurrent IP, and the surgical approach has been the subject of much debate. In this study, our objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness and limitations of 3 different endoscopic procedures used for the treatment of recurrent IP. From January 2001 to June 2008, 26 patients with recurrent IP were treated with endoscopic surgery. Previous surgeries included 5 cases of lateral rhinotomy and 21 cases of endoscopic endonasal surgery. With preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, we attempted to identify the sites of origin and attachment of IP. Three types of resection were used: basically, purely endoscopic endonasal resection was used for tumors arising from lateral nasal wall, ethmoid sinus, and frontal sinus; endoscope-assisted medial maxillectomy was used for tumors originating from the medial wall of the maxillary sinus; and the combination of the endoscopic and Caldwell-Luc procedure was used for tumors involving the anterior, inferior, superior, or lateral portion of the maxillary sinus. Efficacy was evaluated strictly by endoscopic examination or computed tomography in a mean follow-up of 28.2 months (range, 13-42 mo). Three types of procedure were performed in 6, 10, and 10 patients, respectively. Three patients had residual recurrence within 2 months after the resection. One tumor was confirmed malignant. There were no major complications encountered in the patients. In conclusion, different endoscopic strategies are modulated in relation to the attachment of recurrent tumor. The purely endoscopic endonasal procedure is suited for the treatment of recurrent IP limited to the nasal cavity, the ethmoid sinus, and the frontal sinus. As to tumors arising from the maxillary sinus, medial maxillectomy or an additional Caldwell-Luc surgery should be performed.

Objective: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and determine the clinical parameters affecting endoscopic repair of CSF leaks of the anterior and central skull base., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment of sinonasal CSF leaks between 2002 and 2009., Results: The causes of sinonasal CSF leaks were traumatic (n = 27) and spontaneous (n = 1). The sites of CSF leaks included the frontal sinus and frontal recess (n = 9), ethmoid sinus (n = 9), sella and clivus (n = 6), and sphenoid sinus (n = 4). The success rate at first-attempt endoscopic repair was 86% (24/28). Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the frontal sinus/recess had a high failure rate (44% [4/9]). Recurrent frontal CSF leaks were successfully salvaged by an open-endoscopic approach. The final success rate at second attempt was 93% (26/28). Among the variables affecting initial endoscopic success, the location of CSF leak and direct visualization were significant factors (P = 0.008 and 0.018, respectively [Fisher exact test]). No postoperative complications were noted., Conclusions: Our results showed that endoscopic repair of sinonasal CSF leaks is an effective treatment with a success rate of 93%. Open-endoscopic repair of frontal CSF leaks is feasible in treating endoscopic failures of frontal CSF leaks.

Objective: In the current study, whereas the results of endoscopic primary and revision endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomies (END-DCR) were evaluated, the success rates in patients who did or did not undergo nasal surgery were also compared., Methods: A retrospective medical record review of 70 patients (with a total of 72 affected cases) who were admitted to our clinic with a primary complaint of epiphora between January 2002 and July 2009 was performed. Patients who required additional nasal procedures were also included in the analysis. A successful DCR was defined as relief of symptoms on testing with irrigation at the last follow-up visit., Results: The success rates were 82.1% (23/28 DCRs) in the primary END-DCR group and 84.1% (37/44 DCRs) in the revision END-DCR group. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding overall surgical success rates (P = 0.829). The need for additional nasal surgery was significantly higher in the revision cases (52.3%) than the primary cases (28.6%; P = 0.048). No significant difference regarding success rates existed between the patients who required an additional septoplasty or ancillary sinus surgery and the patients who did not have nasal pathology and underwent END-DCR alone (P = 0.456). The mean follow-up period was 11 months in the revision END-DCR group and 8 months in the primary END-DCR group., Conclusions: Endoscopic DCR should be considered as the treatment of choice in cases with intranasal pathologies. Endoscopic DCR is a safe and effective procedure in revision cases, as well as in primary cases.

Objective: To develop an animal cadaver model that would allow residents to learn functional endoscopic sinus surgery as a complementary model., Study Design: Prospective experimental study., Patients and Methods: Two of our first-year residents were included in the study, and each operated on 5 sheep noses. All the routine steps of endoscopic sinus surgery were performed, except for sphenoidotomy, and their success and complication scores were recorded. The residents' performance for maxillary antrostomy, ethmoidectomy, and frontal sinusotomy in sheep cadaver noses were evaluated by the authors. Predissection and postdissection computer tomography assessed the completeness of dissection. Images were analyzed for maxillary antrostomy, frontal sinusotomy, residual ethmoid cells and partitions, and residual frontal recess cells. The first and last 5 sides of residents were analyzed together as the first 10 sides (group 1) and last 10 sides (group 2)., Results: Group 2 had significantly better outcomes for frontal sinusotomy and ethmoidectomy (P = 0.011 and P = 0.003, respectively). The mean duration of procedures for group 1 was 15.7 minutes and that for group 2 was 10.3 minutes (P = 0.000). The difference was not significant between the 2 groups when comparing the success rates of maxillary antrostomy and the complication rates (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: The nasal cavity of the sheep is anatomically similar to the human nasal cavity, and the model using sheep cadaver for endoscopic sinus surgery training is a cost-effective and useful model for the first step of the learning curve.

Traumatic injuries treatment of the fronto-naso-orbito-ethmoidal region has been one of the most challenging treatments within maxillofacial surgery, particularly of extensive orbital defects, very common in this type of pathologic condition. A 48-year-old man involved in a car collision presented an extensive bilateral fracture of the orbit medial wall, nasal bones, the nasal septum, and the frontal anterior table. The clinical and tomographic findings concluded the diagnosis of a maxilla and fronto-naso-orbito-ethmoidal fracture. Among the variety of biomaterials, the titanium mesh was elected because of the extension and magnitude of the bone defect, obtaining this way esthetic and functional results with better prognosis.

Inverted papilloma (IP) is the most common benign tumor of the nose and the paranasal sinuses and constitutes almost 0.5% to 4% of the primary nasal tumors. In this study, our objective was to retrospectively review the results of surgical treatment of IP.Sixty-eight patients with a histopathologically proven diagnosis of IP were retrospectively evaluated. Two patients who had an associated squamous cell carcinoma were excluded from the study. Ten patients were operated on for revision surgery, and 56 eventually had a primary tumor. Patients operated on for primary tumor were included in this study. Nasal obstruction was the most frequent symptom observed in 50 patients (89%). The origin of the tumor was most common at the maxillary sinus, the lamina papyracea, and the ethmoid sinus. Endoscopic endonasal resection, endoscopic endonasal resection with the Caldwell-Luc procedure, medial maxillectomy after lateral rhinotomy (LR), and endoscope-assisted medial maxillectomy with LR approaches were used. The patients operated on only with medial maxillectomy after an LR procedure have a recurrence rate of 28% (2 patients). Endoscopic endonasal resection has a recurrence rate of 9% (2 patients). Recurrence observed after endoscopic endonasal resection with Caldwell-Luc procedures was 7% (1 patient). One recurrence (8%) was determined after an endoscope-assisted medial maxillectomy after LR. No major postoperative complications were observed after surgery.In conclusion, IP can be treated both with internal and external approaches. The type of surgery should be determined according to the tumor stage. Combined internal and external approaches have less recurrence rates in advanced cases. Endoscopic endonasal resection should be used in early-stage tumors.

Osteomas are slow-growing benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses. They originate from the sinus wall and generally fills the sinus cavity. Many osteomas are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on radiographs. The well-circumscribed, dense bony appearance on radiographs is usually diagnostic. Osteomas become symptomatic when they extend to the orbit or cranium. We report a rare case of ethmoido-orbital osteoma. Case reports and a review of the literature concerning osteoma and surgical techniques are presented. Treatment is not recommended in asymptomatic osteomas. If treatment is indicated, external or endoscopic approach can be chosen. The choice of surgical approach depends on the size of the lesion, location, and the experience of the surgeon.

Objective: The objective of this study was to recognize the endoscopic anatomy of the orbital apex and medial orbital wall to understand the pure endoscopic endonasal approaches to this region and their clinical applications. These basic information will facilitate our surgical procedures and decrease the rate of surgical complications., Material and Methods: Five fresh adult cadavers were studied bilaterally (N = 10). We used Karl Storz 0- and 30-degree 4-mm, 18-cm, and 30-cm rod-lens rigid endoscopes in our dissections. After cadaver specimen preparation, we approached each orbital apex and medial orbital wall through each nostril. After resection of medial orbital wall, an endoscopic intraorbital approach was performed., Results: The orbita could be exposed by using 0- and 30-degree endoscopes. We preferred to start the approach from the sphenoid sinus instead of transethmoidal approaches that are less familiar to the neurosurgeons. The posterior and anterior ethmoidal arteries are in close relation to the supralateral wall of ethmoid sinus, thus care must be taken not to injure these arteries during dissection. In this way, we can safely expose the whole medial wall of the orbita. Optic canal decompression can be safely done by bone resection starting from the optic nerve toward the optic canal. We continued bone resection from the posterior to the anterior of the medial orbital wall, thus we can perform medial orbitotomy. The intraorbital approach can be done medially by introducing the endoscope between the medial and inferior rectus muscles., Conclusions: Our anatomic study offered the facility to learn the endoscopic anatomy of the orbital apex and the medial wall of the orbita and understand the appropriate approaches (such as medial orbitotomy and optic canal decompression) to some pathologic lesions of this region. With skilled and experienced hands, it can superimpose many traditional orbital approaches with minimal invasiveness and less postoperative complications.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to locate the constant anatomic landmarks, which are very important and helpful for endoscopic surgery and not well described for the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) surgery via the middle nasal meatus-sphenopalatine foramen approach to establish a safe surgical mode., Methods: Eight cases of adult skull specimens were selected for the simulated surgery. The Messerklinger surgical approach was used under the endoscope. The uncinate process was removed successively, and the anterior ethmoid sinus and posterior ethmoid sinus were opened. The opening of the maxillary sinus was identified and was expanded forward and backward. The ethmoidal crest was found and was used as an anatomic landmark to find the sphenopalatine foramen. The sphenopalatine artery was protected and was used as a guide to enter the PPF region. The sphenopalatine artery was followed conversely to anatomize the blood vessels and nerves in the PPF., Results: It was found that our surgical procedure provides a clear view of the constant anatomic landmark including ethmoidal crest and sphenopalatine foramen. By retrograde dissection, following the sphenopalatine artery, which runs out of the sphenopalatine foramen behind the ethmoidal crest, the internal maxillary artery (IMA) and the branches of the IMA in the PPF were exposed. Posterior to the sphenopalatine artery, the typical Y-shaped structure with the pterygopalatine ganglion as the center was visible when the IMA and its branches were moved downward and outward. The Y structure, which is consisted of the pterygopalatine ganglion, branches of the internal maxillary nerve, vidian nerve, and descending palatine nerve, served as the other anatomic landmark. By following the Y structure, it was easy to locate the pterygoid canal, foramen rotundum, and the infraorbital nerve, and the integrity of the nerve structure could be protected., Conclusion: Endoscopic PPF surgery via the middle nasal meatus-sphenopalatine foramen approach is safe, and the ethmoidal crest, sphenopalatine foramen, and Y structure with the pterygopalatine ganglion in the center are important anatomic landmarks that can be referred to during the surgery.

The objective was to study the relationships among the optic nerve, posterior paranasal sinuses, and ophthalmic artery. The identification of reliable anatomic landmarks would provide an endoscopic anatomic basis for optic nerve localization and effective prevention of ophthalmic artery injury during transsphenoidal optic nerve decompression surgery. The Messerklinger technique was performed to open the posterior ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus in 8 adult-head specimens. The opticocarotid recess and optic canal were identified under endoscopy, and the relationships between the optic nerve and posterior paranasal sinuses were observed. The relationship between the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery was examined. In all specimens, the opticocarotid recess could be identified; however, the optic nerve protuberance was present in only 10 sides (62%). Three types of relationships were found to exist among the optic nerve, sphenoid sinus, and posterior ethmoid sinus. The posterior ethmoid sinus was anterior and the sphenoid sinus was posterior in 8 sides (50%), the sphenoid sinus was both anterior and posterior in 5 sides (31%), and the ethmoid sinus was both anterior and posterior in 3 sides (19%). At the intracranial opening of the optic canal, the ophthalmic artery was inferomedial to the optic nerve in 9 sides (56%), inferior to the optic nerve in 4 sides (25%), and inferolateral to the optic nerve in 3 sides (19%). The ophthalmic artery coursed laterally from inferior to the optic nerve, and at the intraorbital opening of the optic canal, the ophthalmic artery was inferolateral to the optic nerve in 13 sides (81%) and inferior to the optic nerve in 3 sides (19%). The opticocarotid recess is always present; the imaging characteristics of endoscopy allow this recess to be more reliably identified than the optic nerve protuberance. It can be used as the anatomic landmark of choice in endoscopic optic nerve decompression. The origin of the ophthalmic artery is inferomedial to the optic nerve, and thereafter, it courses inferolaterally. An intersecting relationship exists along its course, a factor that must be taken into account during surgery to avoid injuring the ophthalmic artery.

Maxillofacial district osteomas are benign lesions with very slow growth. The most frequent localization is the frontal sinus, about 57% of all paranasal cavity osteomas; less frequently, they can be located in the ethmoidal sinus or sphenoidal and maxillary. Etiology has not completely clarified yet; nevertheless, there are 3 main pathogenetic theories: osteogenic, traumatic, and infective. Open procedures represent the gold standard, but there is still an unsolved debate for the best treatment option. Endoscopic techniques offer an alternative approach, enabling closer and more direct visualization of the anatomy as well as avoiding damage to surrounding structures. In our study, we analyzed all patients treated with endoscopic approach for paranasal sinus osteomas in the ENT unit of the University of Varese and compared them with patients treated for the same pathology with open surgery in the Maxillo-facial Department of the University of Rome "La Sapienza." The purpose of the work was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the 2 procedures. In conclusion, this study underlines the importance of flexibility in surgical approach decision, which must fit the different issues of the pathology and of the patient.

Sphenoethmoidal mucoceles are rare tumors. They gradually expand in size and rarely produce bony destruction of sinus walls, leading to orbital, ocular, and intracranial involvement. We present a rare case of sphenoethmoidal mucocele with bone destruction and intracranial extension, who presented with nasal blockade and loss of visual acuity. Computed tomographic scan revealed a soft tissue mass, eroding the base of anterior cranial fossa, extending intracranially into the parasellar temporal fossa. The patient was treated successfully by endoscopic excision. Although a transfacial approach is generally preferred in cases of extensive mucoceles with intracranial extensions, a thorough anatomy of the nasal skull base and proficient use of the endoscope can be a good alternative to such lesions.

No data in the literature report the specific invasion of the orbit from ethmoidal tumors, although such a pattern of involvement of the orbit frequently occurs because of the thin lamina papyracea separating the two structures. From January 1986 to January 2003, 38 patients with untreated primary ethmoidal malignancies were observed at the Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the University "La Sapienza" in Rome. Personal data were obtained from review of the personal clinical file of each. Orbital invasion was present in 24 patients with ethmoidal malignancy. Three stages of orbital invasion were identified. The average overall survival, with the Kaplan-Meyer method, was 61.4% after 1 year and 51.1% at 5 and 10 years. Intracranial involvement is the main element for short-term negative prognosis. Orbital exenteration is fundamental if grade III orbital invasion occurs because it ensures an improvement of the disease-free survival.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an uncommon benign lesion that rarely presents in the craniofacial region. Aneurysmal bone cysts represent nearly 1.4% of all bone tumors, and among those, only 3% are located in the cranium. In this study, we report on an ABC located in the sphenoid bone with superior nasal cavity and ethmoid extension. The presenting symptom of our patient was headache, followed by diplopia, loss of visual accuracy, and abduction restriction. We successfully resected the lesion by a combined subcranial-midfacial degloving approach without any complications or recurrence.

We present a technique for treating extensive frontal bone loss after chronic osteitis and subsequent treatment. Unlike the technique usually performed in such cases (exclusion and filling), the frontal sinuses were conserved by isolating them from the reconstructed frontal vault. Isolation was achieved by means of a temporal galea and periosteum flap with a pedicle arising from the superficial temporal vessels. The study concerned 14 patients operated on from two to seven times for osteitis, which persisted in many patients for more than 10 years.

The sphenoid sinus has traditionally been considered a poorly accessible structure, situated deep in the center of the head and surrounded by vital structures. Aggressive benign and malignant tumors are usually considered to be inoperable because of the proximity of such structures, thus precluding the possibility of total extirpation. Using the transfacial-subcranial approach, lesions at this site can be totally excised. Significant tumor-free survival rates can be anticipated.

Large-bore lumbar spinal fluid drainage is used frequently as part of the preoperative and intraoperative management of patients undergoing cranial base tumor resection. Such drainage allows displacement of the brain with minimal force, thereby potentially decreasing retraction damage to it. We document 2 patients in whom serious complications resulted from lumbar drainage systems. These patients deteriorated into a coma state following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Reinfusion of synthetic CSF solutions caused a brisk return to normal neurological status. These plus other potential complications associated with lumbar drainage, such as persistent CSF leaks into the back and soft-tissue nerve root injury, warranted abandoning the lumbar cistern drainage route of CSF drainage in favor of drainage directly from the intracranial compartment. Depending on the particular operation performed, drainage of CSF near the cribriform plate, the suprachiasmatic cistern, or from the sylvian fissure may be effective sites for CSF drainage. Unlike lumbar drainage, intracranial CSF drainage does not have the added risk of promoting cerebral herniation.