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Endoscopic Transnasal Skull Base Surgery

Endoscopic skull base surgery involves removal of selected tumors at the base of the brain via a trans-nasal route. The field has been rapidly expanding to include newer lesions. The advantage of the endoscopic trans-nasal corridor is better visualization of deeper structures proximal to the brain which are otherwise difficult to visualize, without any external incisions and shortened hospital stay.

Lesions that can be removed via the transnasal corridor include

Pituitary adenomas

Various pituitary (non functioning or functioning) adenomas, microadenomas or macroadenomas are excised via a nasal route. Pituitary adenomas cause visual deterioration, visual field loss and headaches. Secreting adenomas cause various hormonal disturbances including acromegaly (excessive growth), amenorrhoea, difficulties in conceiving children and various other problems.

Tuberculum sellae or planum meningiomas

Meningiomas that arise from these areas can be removed via the trans-nasal corridor. A few of them would require open approaches depending on their spread.

Craniopharyngioma

It is a tumor that arises from pituitary embryonic tissue. It presents most commonly in children but can also present later in life. It presents most often with visual disturbances, headaches, excessive urination or thirst or menstrual disturbances.

Clival Chordomas

Clival chordomas arise from the clivus below the region of the pituitary. They most often cause lateral rectus palsy which essentially presents as inability to move the eye laterally on the involved side.

Odontoidectomy

Odontoidectomy is performed to decompress the cervico-medullary junction.

Esthesioneuroblastomas

Esthesioneuroblastomas as also a variety of benign or malignant lesions can be removed endoscopically. However, a rational view is to be taken when endoscopic surgery is not possible and where external surgery could be more beneficial.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas

It is a benign tumor but can grow aggressively at the back of the nasal cavity and spread in various compartments. Most tumors, however extensive are removed endoscopically. These tumors are found most commonly in adolescent males. Subjects present with nasal bleeding, obstruction of nasal cavity and sometimes distorted nasal features

Inverted papillomas

Unilateral nasal obstruction is considered the most common presenting symptom of patients with inverted papilloma. Other symptoms may include epistaxis, nasal discharge, epiphora, and facial pain. Although a benign condition, it is considered as pre-cancerous and hence a wide excision of the lesion is desired.

Lesions of petrous apex

Lesions like cholesterol cyst or granuloma of petrous apex can be cleared by endoscopic trans-nasal corridor

Meningocoeles, encephalocoeles and cerebrospinal fluid leak

DISCLAIMER : The treatment of lesions is always individualized based on a variety of patient factors, co-morbidities, tumor biology and extent of involvement. The owner of this website does not take any responsibility for misrepresentation of the information provided above. All patients are advised to consult their physician/ surgeon for appropriate treatment of their condition. The conditions mentioned above is just a small representative list of what lesions are treated by us.

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