Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide for Neurosurgeons

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EES) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove tumors and other lesions from the skull base through the nasal cavity. This approach offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced risk of complications, shorter recovery time, and better cosmetic outcomes.

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 26)

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Benefits of EES

• Minimally invasive: EES is performed through the nasal cavity, which avoids the need for large incisions or facial disfigurement.
• Reduced risk of complications: EES has a lower risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks, compared to open surgery.
• Shorter recovery time: Patients who undergo EES typically recover more quickly and can return to their normal activities sooner than patients who undergo open surgery.
• Better cosmetic outcomes: EES leaves no visible scars, which can be important for patients who are concerned about their appearance.

Risks of EES

• Bleeding: EES can cause bleeding, which can be serious if not controlled.
• Infection: EES can also cause infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks: EES can cause cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which can lead to meningitis.
• Damage to the brain or nerves: EES can damage the brain or nerves, which can lead to serious complications.

Indications for EES

EES is indicated for the treatment of a variety of tumors and other lesions of the skull base, including:

• Pituitary tumors
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Meningiomas
• Acoustic neuromas
• Aneurysms
• Skull base defects

Procedure

EES is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the nasal cavity and inserts an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end. The endoscope is used to visualize the skull base and the tumor or lesion. The surgeon then uses a variety of instruments to remove the tumor or lesion.

Recovery

After EES, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. They may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the nose. They may also have difficulty breathing through the nose for a few days. Most patients recover fully from EES within a few weeks.

EES is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of tumors and other lesions of the skull base. This minimally invasive approach offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced risk of complications, shorter recovery time, and better cosmetic outcomes.

References

1. Carrau, R. L., & Kassam, A. (2010). Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: A review. Neurosurgery, 66(1 Suppl),1-10.
2. Dehdashti, A. R., & Kassam, A. (2012). Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: Indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 20(1),5-12.
3. Eljamel, M. S., & Eljamel, S. (2013). Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: A review of the literature. International Journal of Surgery, 11(9),785-792.

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 26)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22486 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE