Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery: what are the limits?

Abstract

Purpose of review: Endoscopic skull base surgery has significantly revolutionized the management of skull base disease. Our review focuses on the recent literature relating to endoscopic skull base surgery emphasizing its limitations.

Recent findings: Current literature continues to expand the indications for endoscopic approaches to the skull base. Experience in endoscopic techniques continues to grow across the world. This is due in part to advances in instrumentation and technology, improvements in technique and, more importantly, an increase in the number of surgeons with training in endoscopic techniques. Long-term outcome data remain sparse.

Summary: The limitations in endoscopic skull base surgery have not been reached. Increasing experience and improvement in technology will likely expand current indications. Future studies should focus on outcome analysis.