Skull Base Surgery

Minimally invasive options and CyberKnife radiosurgery

Skull base surgery is a field of neurosurgery that was developed to address the unique conditions that occur at the base of the skull, directly underneath the brain. Contained within the skull base are the eye orbits, ear canals, two carotid arteries, two vertebral arteries, 12 cranial nerves and the blood drainage system of the brain. These many intricate structures make the skull base one of the most complex areas of the brain for surgery.

When dealing with tumors or other disorders involving the base of the skull, it is important to be sure that your doctors have subspecialized expertise in the field of skull base surgery.

At the National Brain Aneurysm Center, our specialists treat patients with the most complex brain and skull base disorders on a daily basis.

The goal of the surgery is to treat conditions and tumors at the base of the brain, without causing unnecessary trauma to normal brain tissue. By using fewer and smaller incisions, bleeding and other risks associated with traditional brain surgery are reduced. Because the National Brain Aneurysm Center is able to offer a variety of surgical approaches, the physicians can tailor a procedure to best meet your needs.

We offer a full spectrum of options, including minimally invasive procedures (that require few to no incisions) and CyberKnife radiosurgery. Compared to traditional surgery, these modern options often result in faster recovery, less pain and better outcomes.

What conditions are treated with skull base surgery?

Skull base surgery and CyberKnife can be used to treat a variety of tumors and conditions, which include:

Acoustic neuromas
Meningiomas
Glomus jugulare tumors
Craniopharyngiomas
Pituitary tumors
Other schwannomas, neurofibromas, and other benign tumors
Malignant tumors involving the skull base and brain
Trigeminal neuralgia

Our team approach

In combining the skills and knowledge of our specialists, the National Brain Aneurysm Center will offer a unique team approach to skull base surgery in order to decrease complication rates and make for a safer procedure.

Prior to treatment, we will discuss your options with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Working as a team, physicians will map out a plan that is expertly tailored to your particular condition, one that minimizes the risk of complications and maximizes results.

Your neurosurgeon may work with other specialists with expertise in skull base tumors during your treatment, including:

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists
Plastic surgeons
Interventional neuroradiologists (doctors who treat problems of the brain with minimally invasive techniques from inside the blood vessels)
Maxillofacial surgeons (doctors who treat conditions of the bones in the face)
Radiation oncologists (doctors who use radiation therapy to treat disease)