Endoscopic skull base surgery: principles of endonasal oncological surgery

Endoscopic endonasal surgery can be applied to the management of benign and malignant sinonasal neoplasms with good results. For tumors that involve the skull base, an endoscopic "craniofacial resection" can be performed with en bloc excision of the involved dura. Preliminary experience with completely endoscopic excision of olfactory neuroblastomas indicates good local control and few complications. Advantages of endoscopic endonasal surgery include improved visualization and decreased morbidity compared to traditional approaches.