Technological and Ideological Innovations in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic skull base surgery has evolved over the last several decades due to technological advances and operative techniques. Several innovations that are not yet mainstream may have significant impact on the future of endoscopic skull base surgery.

Methods: Current literature pertaining to innovations in endoscopic skull base surgery was retrieved using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Results: Several recent innovations may play an influential role in the advancement of endoscopic skull base surgery, including fluorescent dyes such as indocyanine green fluorescence, fluorescein, and 5-aminolevulinic acid, 3-dimensional endoscopes, robotic surgery, and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions: Several technologies are under current investigation with the hope to improve future outcomes in endoscopic skull base surgery. Additional research and evolution are necessary and will require intense scrutiny before becoming standard of care.

Keywords: 3-Dimensional endoscope; 5-Aminolevulinic acid; Endoscopic skull base surgery; Fluorescein; Fluorescent dyes; High-definition endoscope; Indocyanine green; Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging; Quality of life.