Endoscopic management of sinonasal tumours in the Nordic university hospitals: a survey

Abstract

Purpose The Nordic countries (27 M) all have comparable, publicly funded healthcare systems, and the management of sinonasal tumours is centralised to the 21 university hospitals. We sought to assess and compare the treatment practice of sinonasal tumours across the Nordic countries. Methods A web-based questionnaire was sent to all university hospital departments of otorhinolaryngology—head and neck surgery in the Nordic countries. Results Answers were obtained from all 21 Nordic university hospitals. The endoscopic approach was widely utilised by all, with most (62%) centres reporting 3–4 surgeons performing endoscopic sinonasal tumour surgery. Finland reported the lowest rates of centralisation among university hospitals despite having the highest number of 0.1–1 M catchment population hospitals. Most centres (88%) opted for the endoscopic approach in a patient case warranting medial maxillectomy. In a case of a Kadish C esthesioneuroblastoma, most (52%) of the centres preferred an endoscopic approach. Most centres (62%) reported favouring the endoscopic approach in a case describing a juvenile angiofibroma. Regarding a case describing a sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, consensus was tied (38% vs. 38%) between endoscopic resection followed by postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy (RT/CRT) and induction chemotherapy followed by RT/CRT or surgery followed by RT/CRT. Conclusion Endoscopic approach was widely utilised in the Nordic countries. The case-based replies showed differences in treatment practice, both internationally and nationally. The rate of centralisation among university hospitals remains relatively low, despite the rarity of these tumours.