title: Modified transoral approach for resection of skull base chordomas in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Chordomas are rare slow growing, locally destructive tumours originating from remnants of the primitive notocord and are found most commonly in the clivus and saccrococcygeal region. These tumours usually present in early adult life but on occasion can present in childhood. The combination of the skull base location and paediatric patient size makes access to these tumours particularly challenging.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report a multidisciplinary technique used in two cases in children where a modified extended palatal split was undertaken to allow greater access for tumour excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This approach allows for good access to the skull base region to allow for maximal tumour resection. This technique also appears to have minimal impact on palatal function and no adverse effects on the upper airway management.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia. xdoorenbosch@gmail.com
authors: Xenia
authors: X
authors: Doorenbosch
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Santoreneos
authors: Cindy J
authors: CJ
authors: Molloy
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: David
authors: Peter J
authors: PJ
authors: Anderson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002817:Chordoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010159:Palate / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019291:Skull Base / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019292:Skull Base Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*