Functional outcomes for endoscopic and open skull base surgery: an evidence-based review

The goals of treatment of skull base neoplasms are to maximize oncologic outcomes and optimize functional outcomes. Several studies have investigated the former, but fewer examine the latter. This article reviews the available evidence for several functional outcomes, including endocrine, nasal, neurologic, visual, and quality of life outcomes for both endoscopic and open approaches. The quality of evidence for each outcome is compared for endoscopic and open approaches using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine guidelines, and recommendations are made. Future longitudinal comparative outcome studies are needed to better delineate the functional status of patients undergoing skull base surgery.