[Tumors of the anterior skull base. Effects of perioperative imaging on adjuvant radiotherapy planning].

Abstract

Objectives: Treatment of anterior skull base tumours is still considered being a major challenge for all involved disciplines. Surgical management, complications, as well as the role of imaging for multimodality treatment options should be evaluated critically.

Patients and methods: 57 patients underwent interdisciplinary one step trans-basal approaches for resection of benign and malignant anterior fossa tumours. Beside assessment of surgical results and perioperative morbidity, in 13 patients with malignant tumours perioperative imaging was evaluated with regard to further possible radio-oncological treatment options.

Results: Applying trans-basal approaches radical tumour resection could be achieved in all cases independent of tumor-size (diameter 12-114 mm). Permanent postoperative complications (until 6 months postoperatively) were found in 4 cases (7%), transient complications in 7 cases (12.3%). Evaluation of perioperative imaging showed a heterogen use of different imaging modalities and revealed lack of standardization, hampering further planning of radiation therapy.

Conclusion: Treatment of anterior skull base tumours requires a maximum level of standardization of perioperative imaging, to grant a successful surgical and radio-oncological interdisciplinary patient management.