Minimally invasive brain tumor, skull base and pituitary surgery

The endonasal, endoscopic approach, the supraorbital approach and the transorbital approach to the anterior skull base provides a minimally invasive way to remove tumors that would otherwise require either a large cranial opening and brain retraction or disfiguring facial scars.

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Overview

The endonasal, endoscopic approach to the anterior skull base provides a minimally invasive way to remove tumors that would otherwise require either a large cranial opening and brain retraction or disfiguring facial scars. Instead, an endoscope is advanced through the natural nasal cavity to perform the surgery delicately with newer instruments and image guidance. A variety of tumors can be removed in this fashion, in various locations, through the normal sinus cavities. This allows to maneuver the endoscope to the desired location. This approach was first developed by endoscopic sinus surgeons but is now being used for Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery to treat brain tumors as well.

Since the anterior skull base comprises of a number of important structures such as the pituitary gland, the optic nerves and the carotid arteries, we emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to the management of diseases in this area. Our team involves not only a Neurosurgeon, and an otolaryngologist but also an Endocrinologist, Neuro-opthalmologist and an Interventional Neuroradiologist.

illustration of endoscopic head surgery
jns

Lessons learned in the evolution of endoscopic skull base surgery

JNSPG 75th Anniversary Invited Review Article

Theodore H. Schwartz, MD, Peter F. Morgenstern, MD, and Vijay K. Anand, MD
special article

Endoscopic Cranial Base Surgery:
Classification of Operative Approaches

Theodore H. Schwartz, M.D., Justin F. Fraser, M.D., Seth Brown, M.D., Abtin Tabaee, M.D., Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Vijay K. Anand, M.D.

Recent Advances in the Field of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

Our center has been at the forefront of several advances in the field of minimally invasive skull base and pituitary surgery. We were the first center in New York City to use intraoperative MRI scanning during endoscopic pituitary surgery. We also pioneered the use of 3D endoscopy which provides dramatic improvements in endoscopic visualization by increasing the depth of field. Dr. Schwartz and Anand have published several textbooks on the subject, including the first in the field, entitled “Practical Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery” which is available at the publishers website.

Practical Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Vijay K. Anand, Theodore Schwartz
Published Date: 2007

Practical Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery describes the current trends in endoscopic skull base surgery and the important aspects of this developing field.

Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Vijay K. Anand, Theodore Schwartz
Published Date: 2011

A comprehensive guide on current clinical management options for pituitary tumors — including state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques.

Pediatric Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Singh | Greenfield | Anand | Schwartz
Published Date: 2020

The definitive state-of-the-art resource on pediatric endoscopic endonasal approaches.

Endoscopic Transnasal Resection of Pituitary Tumors

Theodore Schwartz | Aaron Cohen-Gadol
Date: 2011

The faculty will discuss nuances of technique for endoscopic transnasal resection of pituitary tumors. They will review the advantages of using an endoscope to remove tumors.

Profile in Crain's New York Business: 'Brain Power'

Vijay K. Anand, Theodore Schwartz
Published Date: 2011

Neurosurgeon Theodore Schwartz, MD, and ENT surgeon Vijay Anand, MD,  utilize new, 3-D technology during surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Pituitary Tumors

This MRI scan shows a pituitary tumor pushing on the optic nerves causing loss of vision. The pituitary gland is the master commander of the body’s hormones  responsible for the production of cortisol, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, and a variety of other hormones.