Endoscopic surgery of skull base
Written by:Endoscopic skull-based surgery is the surgical treatment of inflammatory or tumoral lesions located in the roof of the nostrils, which are in direct contact with the cranial cavity.
It requires the collaboration of the otolaryngologist and the neurosurgeon to achieve a broad approach and the safety of the complete eradication of the disease. It is performed using the endoscopic control of the cavities, via the endonasal route without the need for external incisions.
It works through the two nostrils and four hands: one of them introduces the endoscope and irrigation and / or aspiration and, through the other fossa, the forceps that will remove the tumor are introduced.
This type of surgery allows much shorter hospital stays because when performed in natural ways, without the need for external incisions or tissue involvement, it minimizes inflammatory reactions, with less pain and fewer side effects, despite the intrinsic risk of this type of approach. neurosurgical
The right patient
This type of surgery is recommended in all cases in which the tumor, benign or malignant, has the appropriate dimensions and does not invade adjacent structures such as the orbit or brain parenchyma, nor is it projected outside the neurovascular structures such as the carotids or the optic nerve.
It is indicated in cases of tumors of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, of the pituitary gland or with tumors of intracranial origin such as meningiomas, meningoceles, cerebrospinal fluid fistulas, etc.
Benefits of skull-based endoscopic surgery
Allows better visualization of injuries and their limits. Better control and precision of the movements that allow preserving nerves and arteries of small caliber, which results in fewer postoperative sequelae.
The revision of the surgical cavity with angulated optics ensures the correct removal of the tumor and the precise repair of the defects of the skull base produced during the removal of the tumor. All this is a benefit for the patient, with a shorter hospital stay and fewer side effects.
