Challenges in pediatric anterior skull base surgery

<p>Amit Goyal</p>

Challenges in pediatric anterior skull base surgery

Amit Goyal

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India

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Abstract

Children are not miniature adults. They have unique differences in anatomy and physiology, when compared with adults. These differences enhance the complexities in already narrower, congested and critical regions of anterior skull base. It is important to recognize these differences while planning endoscopic surgery for them. We present few cases of complex pediatric skull base pathologies which were managed by endoscopic endonasal approaches successfully. The problems, their effects and possible solutions are discussed. Endoscopic endonasal approaches are suitable for treatment of wide varieties of pathologies and are universally accepted as standard of care for many of them. Age may not be a prohibitive factor anymore for these approaches. Excellent reconstructive techniques have added safety to the use of these approaches.