Development of a Skull Base Center in a Low-Volume Environment

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopic endonasal surgery of the cranial base is one of the more advanced surgical techniques with the aim of minimizing postoperative morbidity in patients with certain skull base pathology. At the University Medical Center Maribor, Department of Otolaryngology, we started with endoscopic surgery of sinonasal tumors and small skull base lesions in 2004. Gradual progression to management of more extensive and complex skull base pathology was made in 2010. Since Slovenia has only 2 million inhabitants and skull base pathology is scarce, a completely new training model and contemporary technology needed to be used to ensure patient safety and minimize complications.