Investigation of surgical managements of olfactory neuroblastoma

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transnasal endoscopic resection and craniofacial resection through an external approach for olfactory neuroblastoma（ONB）. Methods Thirty two patients with ONB treated between 1987 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The patients were followed up for 8 - 135 months, the median follow-up time was 20 months. The longest followe- up time of patients treated by endoscope was 79 months, and patients treated by combined endoscope and transcranial surgery was 87 months. At Kadish stage B the 3-year survival rate of patients with transnasal endoscopic resection was 78. 8% and at Kadish stage C it was 50. 0%. At Kadish stage B the 3-year survival rate of patients with craniofacial resection through an external approach was 60. 0% and at Kadish stage C it was 44.4%. The bleeding amounts in above two approaches were 140 ml and 450 ml. The average length of stay in hospital in ransnasal endoscopic resection approach was markedly reduced （ P < 0. 01 ）. Conclusions Olfactory neuroblastoma can be safely and effectively excised and reconstructed endoscopically with comparable degrees of tissue removal as with external approaches. The time of stay in hospital can be reduced and the surgical trauma can be diminished. Key words: Endoscopy; Esthesioneuroblastoma, olfactory; Otorhinolaryngologic surgical procedures