Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
4.4K
Endoscopic transcanal corridors to the lateral skull base: Initial experiences
Daniele Marchioni1, Matteo Alicandri-Ciufelli2,3, Alessia Rubini2
1Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.
The Laryngoscope
|February 24, 2015
Summary
Minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to the lateral skull base offer a direct, incision-free route for removing pathologies in the internal auditory canal (IAC) and petrous bone. These techniques show promise for safe and effective treatment with good outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Skull Base Surgery
Background:
- Traditional surgical approaches to the lateral skull base, internal auditory canal (IAC), and petrous bone are well-established but often require extensive dissection.
- Lesions in this region, though often benign, necessitate surgical intervention for complete removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report initial experiences with minimally invasive endoscopic transcanal approaches to the lateral skull base.
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of these novel surgical corridors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient charts and surgical video recordings.
- Identification and description of three primary endoscopic transcanal corridors: suprageniculate, transpromontorial, and infracochlear.
- Analysis of surgical landmarks, techniques, and potential challenges.
Main Results:
- Endoscopic corridors provide direct access to pathologies in the fundus, IAC, cochlea, petrous apex, and geniculate ganglion region without external incisions.
- Successful pathology removal was achieved in most cases.
- No significant postoperative complications were observed, with favorable facial nerve outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Transcanal endoscopic approaches are effective for resecting pathologies in the lateral skull base, IAC, and petrous bone.
- Wider adoption depends on technological advancements and further surgical refinement.
