Skull Base Surgery

Skull base surgery is a complex surgical procedure that involves the removal of tumors, lesions, or other abnormalities located at the base of the skull, which is the area between the brain and the upper neck. This type of surgery requires a highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeon, as the surgery can involve delicate structures such as the brainstem, cranial nerves, and major blood vessels. The surgery may be performed using traditional open techniques or minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic surgery. Depending on the case, the patient may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy following surgery.

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About Skull Base Surgery

There are two primary techniques for skull base surgery. Open surgery is an alternative to endoscopic surgery, depending on the nature and location of the tumor that needs to be removed.

Minimally invasive or Endoscopic skull base surgery: Often, this kind of surgery doesn't require a significant incision (incision). A surgeon may create a keyhole-sized opening inside the nose. The growth can then be removed by the neurosurgeon using an endoscope, a narrow, illuminated tube.

Open or Conventional skull base surgery: Incisions in the skull and the face region may be necessary for this kind of surgery. In order to access the growth and remove it, portions of the bone may need to be removed.

Procedure of Skull Base Surgery

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgical Techniques: Endonasal surgery can be used to treat or remove a variety of skull base conditions, most notably pituitary tumors. This minimally invasive procedure involves access through the nose or from behind the ear and is carried out in collaboration by neurosurgeons and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons.

Advanced Microscopic, Laser and Ultrasonic Techniques: Utilizing cutting-edge ultrasound, laser, and microscopic techniques on specific tumor types that are deeply embedded into the base of the skull. For instance, using a laser speeds up the removal of malignant tumors, lowering the risk of problems, the need for anesthetic, and the potential for harm to the healthy brain and nerve tissue nearby.

Restorative and Reconstructive Facial and Skull Base Surgery: A team of surgeons at the Center for Cranial Base Surgery is committed to restoring both the functional and aesthetic aspects of a patient's health. As a crucial component of a patient's treatment and overall success, restorative methods such microvascular reconstruction, nerve and muscle grafting, face reanimation, and soft tissue repair are used.

Open Skull Surgery: When necessary, surgeons undertake open skull surgery. A face incision or a skull incision may be necessary for this surgery. To access the tumor and remove it, surgeons might have to remove a portion of a bone. For this kind of operation, advanced imaging is frequently used.