The skull base is the bone and structures that separate the sinuses from the intracranial cavity containing the brain. Some nasal and sinus tumors may extend into the adjacent skull base, as well as into the orbit (eye socket). Skull base surgery may be done to remove benign (harmless) or cancerous growths, as well as other abnormalities, on the underside of the brain, skull base, or within the top few vertebrae of the spinal column.

As this is a difficult area for surgeons to see and reach, we perform this surgery in an endoscopic, minimally invasive manner. With this procedure, your surgeon can remove tumors and lesions of the skull base and sinuses by operating through the nose. This reduces the need for more invasive, external procedures, which usually result in a greater chance for significant complications and a longer hospital stay.

Who is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for endoscopic surgery for tumors involving the sinuses and skull base if you have a benign or malignant tumor of the nose, sinuses, or skull base.

What to Expect

The surgeon will insert a thin, lighted endoscope with a camera on one end attached to a high definition monitor to view the surgery. Image-guidance is frequently utilized. The surgeon will use the endoscope through the nose (known as “transnasal”) to locate and remove the tumor or other abnormality, and then the endoscope will be removed.

Sometimes the endoscopic transnasal approach is combined with other external incisions, depending on the size and location of the tumor. The goal is complete tumor removal in order to maximize the chances of cure while minimizing the potential risks of the surgery and need for a long hospital stay.

Why Choose UHealth?

Ranked No. 28 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The ranking reflects the team’s dedication to excellence in research patient care and outcomes. Surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists collaborate with many research programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.

Leaders in the field of endoscopic skull base surgery. The experts at University of Miami Health have over 30 years of experience performing endoscopic skull base surgery for benign and malignant neoplasms of the nose and sinuses extending into the skull base and orbit. Some of the first endoscopic skull base procedures were described and performed at UHealth by our specialists almost 25 years ago.

A multidisciplinary team provides the best results. Our surgeons are part of a well-trained group of internationally recognized skull base specialists that span a number of specialties (ENT, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, radiation oncology), and work together daily, as an integrated multidisciplinary skull base team.

Personalized treatment for your unique needs. All patients' cases and their scans are reviewed at our weekly skull base tumor conference to determine the best approach for each patient’s tumor. Additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy are determined as well based on the best research evidence available. It is individualized for the specific patient. Treatment can be endoscopic, transoral robotic, and/or more traditional external surgical techniques, depending on the type and location of the tumor. This skull base team is truly unique not only in South Florida, but also nationally.

World-Class care in an academic health system. We are recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in treating conditions and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide you with superior, personalized care and the best outcomes.