Question 1

1) What is Skull Base Tumour?

Accepted Answer

Skull based tumor is the medical condition characterized by the growth of abnormal cells in the part of the brain that meets the base of the skull i.e. the bones of the skull that form the bottom of the head and the bony ridge behind the nose and the ears. Most of the skull based tumors are benign and do not spread to the rest of the body.

Question 2

2) What does Skull Base mean?

Accepted Answer

The skull base is a crowded and complicated region with different openings through which the spinal cord, many blood vessels, and nerves all pass through. It is the region which separates the brain from the remaining anatomic structures of the head, which includes the sinuses, eyes, and ears.

Question 3

3) What is Skull Base Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Skull based surgery is a highly complicated, minimally invasive surgical technique for evaluating, diagnosing and treating benign or cancerous growths located on the base of the skull. The complexity of this procedure increases as it is a multi-disciplinary task which combines the skills of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, anesthesia, intensive care medicine and physical and rehabilitative fields of medicine for the treatment and diagnosis of any tumors of the anterior, middle and posterior base of the skull.

Question 4

4) What is the Skull Base Centre?

Accepted Answer

A skull base center, also known as cranial base center is a term describing the approach which is used to care for patients requiring intensive care, who are suffering from complex diseases at the base of the skull. It has been observed that no single physician, surgeon or nurse can provide the complete care required for the treatment of these patients. Thus, it can be termed as the combined skills and efforts of several professionals in order to suffice the treatment of the patient. The professionals involved can be an otolaryngologist, a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, an intensivist, the anesthesiologist, skilled nurses both in the intensive care unit and on the floor, as well as the physicians and nurses in rehabilitative and physical medicine.

Question 5

5) What is the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach?

Accepted Answer

The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach is an advanced surgical method which enables the removal of any tumor or malignant cells through the nose. It is a complicated and multi-disciplinary procedure involving a team of specialists like otolaryngologist, a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, an intensivist, the anesthesiologist etc. In this approach, the tumor in the skull base is reached by directly operating through the nose and the sinuses. This procedure helps in removing large tumors without destroying or disfiguring the shape of the face or skull.

Question 6

6) Where is the surgery performed?

Accepted Answer

This surgery is performed through the nose or sinuses in order to reach the lesions or tumors located in the base of the skull. It makes use of an endoscopic lens which is specially designed for the viewing and transmitting of internal images. This is associated with the use of highly specialized instruments for the operation procedure to be carried out and the removal of the tumor. It is performed in various top hospitals who have the required instruments and physicians to perform this level of complex operation.

Question 7

7) Who performs the surgery?

Accepted Answer

The surgery is performed by a highly specialized multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals which include an otolaryngologist, a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, an intensivist and an anesthesiologist.

Question 8

8) How long does the procedure take?

Accepted Answer

These cases usually are scheduled for an entire day. The duration of a case with average complexity may last from about six to ten hours and rarely longer. However, in selected instances, a case must be planned combined with several surgeries planned over a period of several weeks or months.

Question 9

9) What tests will the patient need?

Accepted Answer

The patient must go through a thorough diagnosis prior to surgery. Although every patient’s condition is unique, ordinarily the diagnostic tests which are required for the diagnosis and planning of the surgery are

computed tomogram (CT scan)
magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA)
tests of hearing, balance, and facial nerve function
blood tests
A biopsy prior to surgery.
For vascular diseases, the patient may require angiography as well as embolization prior to surgery.

Question 10

10) What should expect after the Skull Base Surgery?

Accepted Answer

After your surgery, you may be hospitalized until complete recovery. You may be under critical observation ranging from a period of few days to several weeks depending upon your condition. After discharge, you may be required to pay frequent visits to your doctor and undergo several imaging tests.

Question 11

11) How long will the patient be in the hospital?

Accepted Answer

The length of hospitalization will depend upon the complexity of the disease. On average, the length of stay for a skull base tumor can range between four to ten days. If any problem arises following the operation or there is a need for post-operative rehabilitation, then the hospital stay will be extended. No patient is ever discharged from the hospital until complete recovery is done.

Question 12

12) Skull Base Surgery cost in India?

Accepted Answer

A skull based surgery may cost approximately around four lakhs in India.

Skull Base Surgery

Symptoms

A skull base surgery may be required when the following symptoms appear:

Diagnosis

Treatment

Risks

After Procedure