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Skull Base Surgery

What is skull base surgery?

Skull base surgery is used to treat tumors and other diseases at the base of the brain, behind the eyes, and in the nasal cavity. Procedures that are performed in this complicated area generally fall into two categories:

  • Open skull base surgery, in which an incision is made in the scalp
  • Endoscopic or minimally invasive skull base surgery, which is done through the nose

At the Barrow Skull Base Program, treatment is provided by a team of specialists in neurosurgery, craniofacial surgery, otolaryngology, oncology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and other disciplines.

What is skull base surgery used for?

Am I a good candidate for skull base surgery?

You may be a good candidate for skull base surgery if you have a skull base tumor or disorder that requires surgical treatment. Barrow Neurological Institute has been recognized for the development of surgical techniques that more easily access skull base tumors with minimal postoperative side effects.

Medically Reviewed by Andrew S. Little, MD, FAANS, FACS on February 18, 2021