Future Developments in Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

Today, modern skull base surgery represents a multidisciplinary, highly specialised collaboration of different medical specialties. The main goal is the treatment of tumorous, traumatic, vascular and congenital pathologies at the skull base while preserving neurological functions. In the last few years, skull base surgery has undergone a continuous development. This mainly regards the modern possibilities of visualisation by the improvement of the operating microscopes and the increasing use of brilliant high-definition endoscopes. But also the refinement of visualising the anatomy by the continuous developing cranial imaging and the navigation technology which is based on imaging has a relevant impact on the development of skull base surgery. The current concept is a function-preserving skull base surgery. Its future development aims a further improvement of treatment results and a continuous reduction of treatment-related morbidity. The future of modern skull base surgery will basically take place and be decided in four sections: Technical innovations of equipment Planning simulation and visualisation Computer assistance and robotics Education and training