What is the skull base?
The skull is composed of bones and cartilage from the face and cranium, which surrounds the brain. The five bones that form the bottom or base of the cranium also form the eye socket, roof of the nasal cavity, some of the sinuses, and the bones that surround the inner ear. The skull base is a crowded and complicated area with openings through which the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerves pass.
What is Skull Base surgery?
Skull base surgery is performed to remove both benign and malignant growths and abnormalities on the underside of the brain, skull base, or at the top vertebrae of the spinal column. Because this is such a difficult area to see and reach, skull base surgeries are performed by minimally invasive endoscopic procedures in which instruments are inserted through the natural openings in the skull, such as the nose and mouth, or by making small incisions above the eyebrow.
Ailments Treated by Skull Base Surgeries
Pituitary tumors: The pituitary gland is located behind the nose and eyes. Any outgrowth on this gland is can be removed using this technique with minimal loss of blood and less pain
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks Occur when there is abnormal communication between the CSF-containing space around the brain (subarachnoid space) and the nasal roof or sinuses.
How Skull Based Surgery is Performed
Traditional Open Surgery
Traditional or open skull base surgeries: This type of surgery may require incisions in the facial area, and the bony part of the skull may need to be removed to reach and remove the growth. This method is relatively painful and uncomfortable for the patient.
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic or minimally invasive skull base surgery: This type of surgery usually does not require a large incision. An ENT surgeon may approach the pathology via the transnasal route. The intraoperative navigation system ensures thorough and safe clearance of the tumor. It helps surgeons operate around vital structures of the brain (such as the optic nerve and internal carotid artery) with greater confidence and precision.
Endoscopic Advantages
Endoscopic skull base surgery has rapidly advanced. The evolution of technology, advances in the understanding of endoscopic anatomy, and the development of surgical techniques, both in resection and reconstruction, have fostered this capability. This type of surgery is preferred because it involves less morbidity, reduced hospital stay, and is cost-effective.
Our Advanced Surgical Technology
Endoscopic or minimally invasive skull base surgeries require a team effort from ENT and Neurosurgeons. Our team has vast experience in performing these surgeries with the highest success rates, supported by world-class technology.
Advanced Radiology Facilities
Olympus & Storz Endoscopes for better endoscopic visualisation
AIG Hospitals is equipped with Karl Storz 3mm flexible Endoscope with chip on tip camera- for complete evaluation of nasal cavity and sinus openings facilitates a clearer picture
These state-of-the-art facilities, along with a world-class ENT team, make us a Center of Excellence in performing Skull base surgeries.
Olympus 4K Monitor
Medtronic IPC with M5 Hand piece- for precision and mucosa preservation
Intra op navigation facilities for improving success rates during routine and complicated sinus surgeries
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