Overview
The endonasal, endoscopic approach to the anterior skull base provides
a minimally invasive way to remove tumors that would otherwise require
either a large cranial opening and brain retraction or disfiguring facial
scars. Instead, an endoscope is advanced through the natural opening
in the face, namely the nasal cavity. A variety of tumors can be removed
in this fashion, in various locations, since the normal sinus cavities
of the face are used to maneuver the endoscope to the desired location.
This approach was first developed by endoscopic sinus surgeons but is
now being used in our specialized Institute for Minimally Invasive Skull
Base Surgery to treat brain tumors as well.
Since the anterior skull base comprises a number of important structures
such as the pituitary gland, the optic nerves and the carotid arteries,
we emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to the management of diseases
in this area. Our team involves not only a Neurosurgeon, but an Otolaryngologist,
Endocrinologist, Neuro-opthalmologist and an Interventional Neuroradiologist.
Recent Advances in the Field of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Our center has been at the forefront of several advances in the field of minimally invasive skull base and pituitary surgery. We were the first center in New York City to use intraoperative MRI scanning during endoscopic pituitary surgery. We are currently pioneering the use of 3D endoscopy which provides dramatic improvements in endoscopic visualization by increasing the depth of field. Dr. Schwartz and Anand recently published a new textbook, the first of its kind, entitled "Practical Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery" which is available at the publishers website.
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Pituitary Tumor This MRI
scan shows a pituitary tumor pushing on the optic nerves causing
loss of vision. |
