138 Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients and Impact on Midface Growth

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Cranial base development plays a large role in anterior and vertical maxillary growth through age 7, and the effect of early endonasal cranial base surgery on midface growth is unknown. We present our experience with pediatric endoscopic endonasal surgery and long-term midface growth. METHODS This is a retrospective review (2000-2016). Pediatric patients were grouped by age at first endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (<7 yo and >7 yo). Included patients had both pre- and post-operative (>1 yr) imaging. Radiologists performed measurements (Sella-Nasion distance and angles from S-N to maxilla and mandible (SNA, SNB, ANB)), which were compared to age- and sex-matched Bolton standards. Z score test was used; significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS >The <7 yo group had 11 patients, averaging follow-up of 5 yrs; the >7 yo group had 33 patients. Most tumors were benign; one patient with a panclival AVM was a significant outlier for all measurements. Comparing the <7 yo group to Bolton standard norms, there was no significant difference in post-operative SNA (P = 0.10), SNB (P = 0.14), or ANB (0.67). SN distance was reduced both pre- and post-operatively (SD = 1.5, P = 0.01 and P = 0.009). Sex had no significant effect. Compared to patients who had surgery in the >7 yo group, the <7 yo group demonstrated no significant difference in pre- to post-operative changes with regard to S-N (P = 0.87), SNA (P = 0.89), and ANB (P = 0.14). Tumor type (craniopharyngioma, angiofibroma, and other types) had no significant effect in either age group. CONCLUSION Though our cohort of patients with skull base tumors demonstrate some abnormal measurements before their operation, their post-operative cephalometrics fall within normal standard deviations and generally have no significant difference compared to patients who underwent operations at an older age. Therefore, there appears to be no evidence of impact of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery on craniofacial development within the growth period studied.

Anatomical Parameters and Growth of the Pediatric Skull Base: Endonasal Access Implications

“…4 8 9 Parasher et al and Chen et al demonstrated that the age at which endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is performed does not affect midface growth or craniofacial development. 10 11 Although endoscopic approaches have many benefits, they are not without potential complications including cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, cranial neuropathy, and pneumocephalus. 4 In a recent study, Lenze et al showed a similar complication profile when comparing open and endoscopic approaches.…”