Minimally invasive skull base surgery

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  Minimally invasive skull base surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant's surgical techniques may vary, however, they may do the following.They'll start by making a small incision on the inside of your nose, through the eyebrow, in the temple or just behind your ear. This will allow them to pass an endoscope (thin tube with a camera on the end) through the area, underneath or alongside the brain. They will then be able to see images of your skull base on a screen. From this point, your surgeon will remove any growth with surgical instruments.The surgical opening will be closed, sometimes this requires fat and fibrous tissue (fascia) to be taken from your thigh through a separate small incision. 

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure to you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
  
  The nature of the treatment means you will likely  MRI and/or CT scans beforehand. This is to help your consultant assess the anatomy of your skull base in more detail before surgery.
  

   

• Afterwards icon plus

  Immediately after surgery, you will wake up in a post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU). Whilst here, you'll have your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels monitored. You may then be moved to a regular ward where our nurses can continue to check on you. You'll be able to eat and drink as normal. Some patients can go home within two to three days of surgery. Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment for you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. If you experience pain or any discomfort after your procedure, they will of course provide you with the appropriate medication.