CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Minimally invasive skull base surgery
ENDOSCOPIC SKULL BASE SURGERY
If you have a tumour which can be treated with minimally invasive skull base surgery, our surgeons can treat you
About skull base surgery
Minimally invasive skull base surgery can treat a range of brain and certain spinal injuries. If you have a growth or abnormality on the underside of the brain (skull base), it can very difficult to reach.
Using an endoscope, our surgeons and other specialists are able to remove these growths.
Minimally invasive skull base surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant's surgical techniques may vary, however, they may do the following.
- Make 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.
- 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.
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.
Immediately after surgery, you will wake up in a recovery area. Whilst here, you'll have your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels monitored. You may then be moved to a regular room 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.
Our Minimally invasive skull base surgery locations
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.