Roles of skull base surgery and particle radiotherapy for orbital malignant tumors involving the skull base

Treatment of Skull Base Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Challenge

The skull base has always been regarded as a frontier by surgeons and radiation oncologists since it represents the interface between the intracranial and the extracranial compartment and hosts several critical anatomical structures with an extremely complex and close relationship [...].

Clinical considerations for open versus endoscopic approaches in skull base surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to distill the current body of evidence to consider when selecting an endoscopic versus open approach to address cranial base disease. We evaluate the evolution of modern surgical techniques and their respective limitations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Greater understanding of the role of tumor biology in relation to patient outcomes has led to increasingly sophisticated treatment algorithms. This combined with further development of advanced instrumentation and technique has led to the adoption of new surgical corridors previously unapproachable via traditional surgery.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic and open craniofacial approaches both remain important surgical techniques in the management of cranial base tumors. The modern skull base surgeon may employ a combination of approaches to optimize tumor extirpation while preserving functional outcomes. Patient history, anatomic tumor extent, histology, and functional goals should be considered thoroughly when planning any surgical intervention.