Preservation of nasal function in paramedian endoscopic endonasal approaches: patient series

BACKGROUND The endoscopic endonasal approach to paramedian skull base lesions has garnered increasing attention in recent reports. However, it is still a challenging approach. While the primary objective of the approach is the maximal removal of tumors through a minimally invasive procedure, discussions of the approach rarely include information about the maximum preservation of nasal structures. This study aimed to retrospectively review the clinical outcomes of patients who had undergone an endoscopic endonasal approach to paramedian lesions, describe the technical and anatomical nuances related to this approach at the authors' institution, and discuss the maximal preservation of nasal structures. OBSERVATIONS The authors conducted a descriptive retrospective study of 17 surgical cases of paramedian endoscopic endonasal approaches performed jointly by otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons from August 2018 to August 2022 at a tertiary hospital. LESSONS The approach to the paramedian region of the skull base was examined. Creating an appropriate corridor to maximize the surgical field is essential to allow a safe and accurate procedure. From an otolaryngologist's perspective, the endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy is an essential procedure that maximizes the surgical corridor and maximally preserves nasal morphology.