The Endoscopic Approach to the anterior skull base is an innovative technique used for brain tumor removal through the nose by traversing sinuses. This type of procedure requires a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists.
Endoscope provides the light and visualization necessary for viewing the internal images. Specialized instruments are used through the nose for tumor removal. In the past, these procedures were performed with large incisions and required long hospitalizations with multiple complications. With the endoscopic approach, the procedures can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion, with a shorter hospitalization, and without visible scars on the face or scalp.
Using the minimally invasive surgical approach uses the nose and sinuses as channels to reach tumors and lesions in difficult to reach and areas at the skull base. The Endoscopic Skull Base Approach allows our expert surgeons to treat many hard-to-reach tumors, even those once considered "inoperable," without disturbing the face or skull.
UC Irvine surgeons have extensive experience with the endoscopic approach to the skull base. In addition to its success in adults, endoscopic skull base surgery has been performed in children for various tumors or lesions.
Procedures that are amenable to treatment with a minimally invasive skull base approach include:
Computer-assisted
imaging navigation has allowed for better identification and preservation
of sensitive structures during surgery of skull base tumors. Using this
technology, the surgeons can visualize on the screen in 3 dimensions where a
particular tumor and its surrounding structures are located while performing the
surgery to reduce the chance of complications. Computer-assisted image guidance
navigation is a routine part of the skull base team's.