The challenges of revision skull base surgery

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2006 Aug;39(4):783-99, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2006.04.006.

Abstract

Because the skull base is an anatomically complex structure, skull base tumors can hide easily in the crevices that interconnect the intra- and extracranial spaces and intermingle with important neurovascular structures. Often, total surgical resection of these tumors is not possible, and even with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, some recurrences after treatment are inevitable. Early detection of recurrent skull base tumors requires clinical vigilance and periodic imaging studies. The management of recurrent skull base tumors presents many challenges beyond those associated with primary procedures. A multidisciplinary setting that includes modern microsurgery and stereotactic radiation therapy provides patients with optimal care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chondrosarcoma / pathology
  • Chondrosarcoma / radiotherapy
  • Chondrosarcoma / surgery*
  • Chordoma / pathology
  • Chordoma / radiotherapy
  • Chordoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Meningioma / radiotherapy
  • Meningioma / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery*
  • Reoperation
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*