Cosmetic Results By Utilization of Weber Ferguson Approach For Anterior Skull Base Lesions

Abstract

Objectives:  To evaluate Weber Ferguson approach for dealing pathologies of the anterior skull base including maxilla, ethmoidal and frontal sinuses causing nasal blockage and then extending upwards into skull base.

Material and Methods:  This study was done at Department of Neurosurgery at Lahore General Hospital Lahore and Department of Plastic Surgery, Services Hospital Lahore. Duration of study was eight years  from Jan 2000 to Dec 2007.

Results:  Ten cases were included in study. Six of them were females and four males. Age range was from 19 years to 52 years. Most of the cases were in second decade. All the cases had paranasal sinuses, nose and frontal skull base involvement. Two of the cases were that of ameloblastoma, two that of squamous cell carcinoma, two of mucormycosis, and one that of osteoidosteoma, angiofibroma, cystic bone disease and Schwan cell carcinoma each. Growth was successfully reached through this approach and all the cases had acceptable cosmetic results.

Conclusion:  Weber Ferguson incision may provide excellent approach for anterior skull base lesions employing maxillotomy. Provided the incision lines respect the nasal subunits, nasolabial folds and skin relaxation lines it may gives excellent cosmetic results.