Skull Base Surgery

SKULL BASE SURGERY

Skull base surgeries can be used to treat a wide range of neurological conditions, including those commonly associated with stroke, aneurysm, and other cerebrovascular disorders. The procedure commonly begins with a craniotomy, which involves sedating the patient with a general anesthetic, then clipping and shaving a small area of the scalp. Once the patient is sedated and positioned, the surgeon will make an incision to pull back the flap of the scalp and drill small bores into the skull in order to remove a small skull fragment through which he or she can operate on and access the problem area located underneath the interstice of the cerebral and temporal lobes of the brain. Using endoscopic technology, the surgeon will temporarily expose the area at the base of the skull and operate upon affected arteries and tissues. Once the surgery is completed, the surgeon will replace the small skull fragment removed during the procedure and secure it with metal plates before closing the scalp, leaving only a small incision. Recovery varies according to the patient and condition being treated but can take up to eight weeks, during which time, vital signs will be monitored to prevent complications and ensure that the procedure was a success.