[Three-dimensional endoscopic endonasal study of skull base anatomy].
BACKGROUND
Training in dissection of the paranasal sinuses and the skull base is essential for anatomical understanding and correct surgical techniques. Three-dimensional (3D) visualisation of endoscopic skull base anatomy increases spatial orientation and allows depth perception.


OBJECTIVE
To show endoscopic skull base anatomy based on the 3D technique.


METHODS
We performed endoscopic dissection in cadaveric specimens fixed with formalin and with the Thiel technique, both prepared using intravascular injection of coloured material. Endonasal approaches were performed with conventional 2D endoscopes. Then we applied the 3D anaglyph technique to illustrate the pictures in 3D.


RESULTS
The most important anatomical structures and landmarks of the sellar region under endonasal endoscopic vision are illustrated in 3D images.


CONCLUSIONS
The skull base consists of complex bony and neurovascular structures. Experience with cadaver dissection is essential to understand complex anatomy and develop surgical skills. A 3D view constitutes a useful tool for understanding skull base anatomy.
Departamento de Neurocirugía, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España. Electronic address: jabarcaolivas@gmail.com.
Javier
J
Abarca-Olivas
Departamento de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España.
Irene
I
Monjas-Cánovas
Surgical Neuroanatomy Lab, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Estados Unidos.
Beatriz
B
López-Álvarez
Departamento de Neurocirugía, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España; Departamento de Neuroanatomía, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, España.
Jaime
J
Lloret-García
Departamento de Neuroanatomía, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, España.
Jose
J
Sanchez-del Campo
Departamento de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España.
Juan Ramon
JR
Gras-Albert
Departamento de Neurocirugía, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, España.
Pedro
P
Moreno-López
D002102:Cadaver; D003867:Depth Perception; D004210:Dissection; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D009666:Nose; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
Anaglifo; Anaglyph; Anatomía quirúrgica; Base de cráneo; Endoscopic endonasal; Endoscópico endonasal; Estereoscópico; Skull base; Stereoscopic; Surgical anatomy; Three-dimensional; Tridimensional