The skull base protects delicate and complicated structures such as cranial nerves and numerous arteries that control hearing, vision, and balance by supporting the brain's underside.
Endoscopic skull base surgery allows the surgical team to gain access to the delicate, tiny parts of the skull base while also providing detailed images during the procedure. This combination allows your surgeon to see and access your tumor or skull base issue without removing a section of the skull.
A growth or irregularity in the skull base area can cause various symptoms. The size, nature, and location of the growth or anomaly will determine the symptoms, which may include:
Minimally invasive skull base surgery is not appropriate for everyone. With your doctor, you'll go over all of your treatment options. Transnasal endoscopic surgery can be performed to treat tumors and abnormalities of the skull base, as well as:
Your symptoms and a physical exam are used to diagnose growths or anomalies that may require endoscopic transnasal surgery. These tests and imaging studies are vital aspects of the diagnosis because this area cannot be viewed directly:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), PET (positron emission tomography), and CT (computed tomography) scans are examples of special tests that provide images of the skull to aid your medical team in detecting a growth or abnormality.
A little piece of a tumor in the base of the skull can be removed and examined under a microscope. An endoscope can be used to perform a biopsy through the nose and sinuses. Fine needle aspiration or excisional biopsy are other options for biopsies.
Depending on their location, certain cancers can be removed endoscopically using special equipment and scopes that pass via tiny incisions. For example, tumors of the skull base and paranasal sinuses can be securely accessible and efficiently removed through the nasal airways. Many of these tumors were once thought to be inoperable or required extensive craniotomies to be removed.
In transnasal endoscopic surgery, endoscopic technology is used to remove benign and malignant tumors in the head, neck, and skull base, which is a fast expanding discipline.
There is no need to make facial incisions or drill through the skull because the tumors can be reached through the nose. This method allows direct access to previously inoperable malignancies. Patients can expect fewer complications and shorter hospital stays with this technique. There is also an otolaryngology surgery in this procedure.
Is skull base surgery complicated?
ENT skull base surgery may be performed using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach because this is such a tough place to view and reach. The surgeon introduces instruments into the skull through natural openings such as the nose or mouth or a small hole above the brow.
Is skull base surgery safe?
Endoscopic surgery is safer than traditional procedures for operating on intraventricular brain tumors because it allows surgeons to access the brain's inner part without removing large amounts of tissue or draining intracranial fluid, which can result the brain to "sag" away from the skull and bleed.
How long does it take to recover from skull base surgery?
Healing is normally complete, and crusting disappears within three to four months. Additional follow-up is determined by the diagnosis, the necessity for additional therapy, and the severity of the symptoms.
What does a skull base surgery surgeon do?
Skull base surgery is a highly specialized, minimally invasive surgical method for assessing, diagnosing, and treating benign or malignant growths on the underside of the brain, the base of the skull, and the upper spinal vertebrae.
What is considered skull base surgery?
Skull base surgery is performed to remove a tumor or other growth from the skull base, also known as the bottom. Endoscopic skull base surgery, also known as minimally invasive skull base surgery, is a surgical method that allows doctors to perform this delicate procedure through the nose.
I happened to experience a couple of symptoms within my face, and it seemed difficult to fade. My work was getting affected, so I visited the Sri Ramakrishna Hospital after a bit of research on the internet. I went through a couple of tests, and an X-ray was taken. My doctor then informed me that a lump was growing in my head; fortunately, it was not cancerous. Though it was a relief, I was equally worried. My doctor assured me that the procedure would be just fine. I underwent the procedure of endoscopic skull base surgery, and it was completely smooth, and I was able to recover within two weeks. Highly recommend Sri Ramakrishna Hospital for their treatment and approach.
I regularly had headaches back in December, and I felt tired quickly. I went to Sri Ramakrishna Hospital upon a friend's reference, and the doctor was very welcoming. He suggested a few tests, and I underwent an X-ray and scan. Then I learned that my nerves in the brain are compressed due to an injury I had suffered a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to get treated. I underwent endoscopic skull base surgery and got relief from my pain in no time. Thank you, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, for the immediate treatment and response.
Our Department of ENT has treated over 20,000+ patients with transnasal endoscopic surgery over the last 48 years. Our highly experienced ENT specialists will ensure you receive the best transnasal endoscopic surgery in Coimbatore.
Our highly experienced ENT specialists have immense experience in providing the best transnasal endoscopic surgery in Coimbatore.
Dr. K . Raja Shanmugam is a Senior Consultant ENT Surgeon at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 28 years of experience and is a specialist with extensive experience in endoscopic sinus surgeries.
Dr. R. Murali is a Sr. Consultant Neuro Surgeon of the Department of Neurosurgery at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 32 years of experience and has an expertise in skull base endoscopic surgery with extended skull base approaches, and cerebrovascular surgical skills.
Dr. Vikram is a Consultant Neuro Surgeon of the Department of NNeurosurgery at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 17 years of experience and has an expertise in Microneuro Surgery, Paediatric Neurosurgery, Aneurysm Surgery, and Microsurgery for tumors.
