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

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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 consultants

Professor Paul O'Flynn

Professor Paul O'Flynn

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Mr Hassan Elhassan

Mr Hassan Elhassan

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Mr Karan Jolly

Mr Karan Jolly

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Mr Raj Bhalla

Mr Raj Bhalla

Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology)

Our Minimally invasive skull base surgery locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients

Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.