Endoscopic Cranial Surgery

What is Endoscopic Cranial Surgery?

Endoscopic cranial surgery is a procedure in which instruments and a tiny camera are passed through small holes in the skull. Once in place, the neurosurgeon can use the camera and instruments to repair or remove structures in or around the brain.

Endoscopic brain surgery can be especially useful for tumors, aneurysms, and other lesions of the skull base. The skull base–the area where the brain rests on the floor of the skull—incorporates critical structures such as the cranial nerves, the carotid arteries, and the basilar artery. Because there are so many vital structures in very close proximity to each other, skull base lesions can be difficult to access using traditional open surgery.

Endoscopic cranial surgery through the nose or sinuses can be used to access the skull base. This approach can cause fewer complications, reduced blood loss, and shorter recovery times.