title: Endoscopic approach for the resection of forehead masses.
abstract: Over the past several years, surgery aided by the endoscope has come into favor for a number of reasons. Because it is minimally invasive surgery, it has less morbidity, thus, reduced postoperative pain and complications. It results in earlier mobilization and shorter hospitalization, and most importantly, it contributes to an improved cosmetic appearance as a result of a shortened incision line concealed within the hairline in most cases. We have proposed an alternative approach to the surgical resection of forehead masses by means of the endoscope, which has proven to be useful not only for diagnosis but also as a therapeutic tool for the removal of forehead lesions. This report described the clinical experience with the removal of forehead masses in four patients. The cases illustrated the feasibility and ease of resecting a variety of forehead masses with excellent cosmetic results. We hope that more plastic surgeons will use the proposed technique and will continue to explore the safe limits of endoscopic plastic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Service, Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Houston, Texas 77003, USA.
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Cronin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Razura
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Livingston
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Katzen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005546:Forehead / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010016:Osteoma / Q000601:surgery*; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*