[Transmaxillary approach for surgical removal of clival chordomas: study of 10 cases].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and clinical significance of transmaxillary approach for surgical removal of Al-Mefty type III clival chordomas. METHODS: Ten cases of Al-Mefty type III clival chordoma were treated via the transmaxillary approach and followed up for 34 months on average (10 approximately 56 months). RESULTS: Microscopic total removal of the tumors was achieved in 8 patients, and subtotal removal was achieved in the rest 2 patients. Three patients had tumor recurrence but still lived with tumors 26, 36, and 40 months after operation. The other 7 patients resumed their routine life without tumor. The postoperative complications included infection in 1 case that was cured by antibiotic therapy, postoperative obstructive dyspnoea in 1 case that required tracheostomy, and CSF leakage in 1 case that stopped spontaneously 3 weeks after operation. CONCLUSION: With better exposure, complete removal, and with less brain damages and satisfactory results, transmaxillary approach is effective for surgical treatment of Al-Mefty type III clival chordomas.