Endoscopic transnasal approach for surgical treatment of skull base chordomas

Objective:To discuss the surgical methods and clinical effect of endoscopic transnasal approach to resect chordoma of skull base.Methods:Nine cases with skull base chordoma were admitted to our department from May 2002 to December 2006.Endoscopic transnasal approach was taken to resect the chordoma of the sphenoid bone and clivus.7 patients whose tumor couldn't be removed totally were implanted irradiational particle 125 I in order to kill the residual tumourous tissue.Results:Total resection was performed in 2 cases,subtotal resection in 4,partial resection in 3;No complications were occurred postoperation.9 cases were followed up for 18 months(mean),5 cases retured to normal life,4 cases cared by oneself.headache disappeared in 6 cases,relieved in 3 cases after operation.Conclusion:Endoscopic transnasal approach is adapted to resect chordoma of middle and upper clivus and those lesions involving nasal cavity,nasal sinuses and nasopharynx.Endoscopic transnasal approach has many advantages,such as safety,efficiency,minimal invasion,simple manipulation,timesaving,good results.