Technologic innovations in neuroendoscopic surgery.
Neuroendoscopic surgery encompasses minimally invasive approaches to the skull base using endoscopic techniques. There are unique technologic challenges with endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, such as a limited working space, difficulty in visualization and identification of neurovascular structures and removal of tissue, hemostasis, and dural reconstruction. Technologic advances that have enabled this surgery include specialized operating suites, neurophysiologic monitoring, imaging and visualization technologies, dissection instrumentation, hemostatic materials, and reconstructive materials. Advances in each of these areas and the needs and challenges of the future of neuroendoscopic surgery are discussed.
Snyderman
Carl H
CH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. snydermanch@upmc.edu
Carrau
Ricardo L
RL
Prevedello
Daniel M
DM
Gardner
Paul
P
Kassam
Amin B
AB
D004564:Electrocoagulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D009873:Operating Rooms; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D019291:Skull Base / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D013536:Suture Techniques