Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-Sphenoidal and Skull Base Surgeries in Aseer Central Hospital, Sothern Saudi Arabia

Background: Over the Last 20 years, the transsphenoidal approach has been used to remove skull base tumors and also to reconstruct skull base in CSF leakage cases. With the development of endoscope technology and endoscopic surgery, resection of these Skull base tumors, like meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and large pituitary adenomas has been achieved by using endoscopic endonasal skull base (EESB) approaches. Many surgeons have reported the usefulness. Aim: Clinical assessment of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries for tumour resection or reconstructive purpose and also to evaluate development of skull base surgeries in southern region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A case series study was conducted in Division of Rhinology, Department of ORL HNS at Aseer central Hospital (ACH), Southern of Saudi Arabia. The study included all patients, who diagnosed with skull base lesion and CSF leakage and undergone endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries over a period of 6 years. All records for identified cases were reviewed to find out the demographic data and surgeries related data. Results: The study included 20 cases whose ages ranged from 18 to 66 years old with mean age of 43.3 16.6 years old. Exact of 85% of the bases had tumour and 10% had traumatic injuries. Intra-operative CSF was recorded among 70% of the cases and 55% recorded complications while recurrence was recorded among 25% of the cases. Conclusion: In conclusion, the less invasive endoscopic endonasal approach of the skull base and the pituitary fossa is an innovative time saving surgeries with minimal complications. Better training for clinical skills and new techniques was recommended for all concerned surgeons.