The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Removal of Petroclival Chondrosarcomas

Chondrosarcomas of the skull base are rare, locally invasive tumors that typically arise in the petroclival region, from degenerated chondroid cells located within the synchondrosis. Given their usually slow growth rate, they are capable of reaching sizable dimensions, promoting bone erosion and significant displacement of neurovascular structures before causing symptomatology that will eventually lead to diagnosis; cranial neuropathies and headaches are common complaints. This article discusses the pertinent surgical anatomy, patient selection criteria, technical nuances and complication management of the endonasal resection of skull base chondrosarcomas.