Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-6148
ISSN: 2155-6148
Muhammad Alvi
Newcastle University Teaching Hospital, UK
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Anesth Clin Res
Neoplasms of the skull base represent a significant challenge for surgical management. They are rare and include a variety of histological subtypes. By definition these tumors exist at the interface between the intra and extra-cranial space and therefore are adjacent to critical structures. Skull base surgery is a recent entity. The first description of a craniofacial approach in the literature dates from Ketcham, et al. 1963 describing a combined transfacial approach. The principles of this initial strategy have undergone modifications over the years to minimize morbidity and brain handling whilst achieving disease free-margins. The goal remains en-bloc resection. The open approach to resection of these neoplasms remains the goldstandard. Improvements in neuroimaging, microvascular reconstructive options and surgical techniques have established Craniofacial Surgery (CFS) as a safe and effective treatment. Approaches to the skull base include a subcranial approach and a frontal/transfacial approach. A multidisciplinary should include a neurosurgeon and an otolaryngologist due to the extra and intra-cranial considerations when exposing the skull base. The choice of approach depends on the location of the tumor as well as expertise and experience of the surgeon. Aesthetic considerations on the patientâ??s part will also play a role. This review will begin with a brief consideration of the different tumors of this region, including common routes of spread for these tumor subtypes. This will be followed by a discussion of clinical findings and imaging modalities. Finally there will be a description of the different surgical approaches used for treatment.
Muhammad Alvi grew up in Karachi, Pakistan and moved to UK aged 18 to study medicine at Trinity College, Oxford. After graduation, he moved to Machester University teaching Hospital for Two years of foundation training. During this time he successfully secured an competitive Otolaryngology themed “Core Surgical Training Post” which he is now completing in New Castel University of Teaching Hospitals. His aim is to be an Otolaryngologist.