Management of benign frontal sinus tumors with osteoplastic flap without obliteration

Management of benign tumors of the frontal sinus is a challenge that requires a balance between tumor resection and maintenance of sinus homeostasis. The management of such tumors is described here, as well as the procedure to remove them; this procedure combines established and innovative techniques to achieve a balance. The approach to the frontal sinus is achieved with an osteoplastic flap, which was developed over a century ago and still offers unparalleled exposure for resection. New techniques such as computer-assisted surgery are used to make this exposure both safer and more complete. Several methods to improve the physiologic outflow tract of the frontal sinus after resection that are described here also serve to improve postoperative surveillance and prevent morbidity. With these methods, obliteration of the frontal may be avoided, a central tenet in the management of benign tumors of the frontal sinus.