Skull Base Surgery

Tumors and other pathologies that push from surrounding sinuses into the orbit, cranial cavity and deep neck spaces require careful surgical planning and coordination with several medical specialties. This area of the body is extremely delicate and houses some of the most important structures that make us who we are as individuals. By utilizing a thoughtful multidisciplinary approach, we are able to ensure the best outcome for our patients. Partnering with our colleagues in endocrinology, ophthalmology, neuroopthalmology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and oculoplastics, we strive to provide state-of-the-art care for patients with complex pathologies in these regions.

Skull base lesions involve both benign and malignant lesions affecting the temporal bone and surrounding areas. Traumatic injuries to the lateral skull base are common as WakeMed is the only Level 1 Trauma center in Wake County, and we are comfortable managing a wide array of issues in conjunction with our colleagues in the aforementioned specialties.

Skin cancers, if left unchecked, have the ability to propagate along the major nerves in our head and neck. The most common nerves affected are the Facial nerve and the Trigeminal nerve. These nerves control our facial expressions as well as sensation to the face. As the tumor progresses along the nerve, it makes its way towards the brainstem where the nerve originates.

A few of common skull base lesions we treat:

• Pituitary tumors
• Sinonasal tumors
• Encephaloceles and Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Paragangliomas / Glomus tumors
• Tumors within and pushing into the orbit
• Temporal bone tumors and other lesions
• Superior semicircular canal dehiscence
• Perineural spread of cancer