Could transcranial endoscopy represent an alternative to craniotomy in skull base surgery?

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Traditional skull base surgery often involves extensive osteotomies and frontal lobe retraction.
• Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques have gained traction for specific skull base procedures.
• Endoscopic approaches have demonstrated improved outcomes in pituitary and cerebrospinal fluid leak surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a combined transfacial transcranial endoscopic approach for anterior skull base access.
• To assess the feasibility of this minimally invasive technique in cadaveric models.
• To explore its potential as an alternative to traditional open cranial fossa approaches.

Main Methods:

• A cadaveric study was conducted to simulate the combined transfacial transcranial endoscopic approach.
• The technique integrates principles of minimally invasive surgery.
• Exposure of the anterior skull base was achieved endoscopically.

Main Results:

• The combined transfacial transcranial endoscopic approach provided access to the skull base in a cadaver model.
• This approach aligns with the trend towards less invasive surgical methods.
• Potential application for neoplastic lesions and craniofacial malformations was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The combined transfacial transcranial endoscopic approach is a viable cadaveric model for skull base surgery.
• It offers a potentially less invasive alternative to conventional anterior cranial fossa approaches.
• Further research may validate its clinical application for specific pathologies.