Expert Skull Base Surgery in Chennai

The skull base is the bottom of the skull separating the brain from facial structures. It contains critical structures including major blood vessels, cranial nerves controlling vision, smell, facial movement, and swallowing, and brain tissue. Surgery requires specialized training to safely remove tumors while preserving these vital structures.

Endoscopic skull base surgery accesses tumors through the nose using cameras and specialized instruments. Benefits include no facial scars, better visualization with magnification, less brain retraction, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Best for anterior skull base lesions and pituitary tumors. Dr. Vidhyadharan performs these with neurosurgery team.

Risks include CSF leak (5-10%), meningitis, cranial nerve injury affecting vision, smell, facial sensation or movement, stroke, bleeding, and need for revision surgery. Serious complications are minimized with experienced teams. Benefits of tumor removal usually outweigh risks. Dr. Vidhyadharan's multidisciplinary approach reduces complications.

Recovery depends on approach. Endoscopic surgery allows discharge in 3-5 days with return to activity in 2-3 weeks. Open approaches require 7-10 days hospitalization and 6-8 weeks for complete recovery. Complete healing takes 3-6 months. Regular follow-up ensures optimal recovery monitoring.

Need for radiation depends on tumor type and completeness of resection. Benign tumors with complete removal may not need radiation. Malignant tumors or positive margins typically require adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy. Decision made by multidisciplinary team based on final pathology.

Recurrence rates vary by tumor type. Benign tumors like inverted papilloma have 5-10% recurrence with complete removal. Malignant tumors have higher rates (20-40%) depending on stage and grade. Regular surveillance with endoscopy and imaging allows early detection and treatment of recurrence. Long-term follow-up is essential.

Most skull base tumors can be completely removed, but some highly invasive cancers or tumors involving critical vessels may only allow partial removal. In these cases, surgery is combined with radiation for control. Dr. Vidhyadharan will discuss realistic expectations based on individual tumor characteristics.

Yes, many skull base surgeries are performed jointly with neurosurgeons for optimal outcomes. Dr. Vidhyadharan works closely with experienced neurosurgeons at THANC Hospital. Combined approach allows comprehensive tumor removal with brain protection and reconstruction by the most qualified specialists.

Sinonasal tumors arise from the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses and can be benign (inverted papilloma) or malignant (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, esthesioneuroblastoma). Treatment typically involves endoscopic or open surgical removal, often followed by radiation therapy for malignant tumors. Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience with complex sinonasal tumor surgery using both endoscopic and open approaches.

CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak occurs when there is a defect in the skull base allowing brain fluid to leak into the nose, presenting as clear nasal discharge. It can occur spontaneously or after trauma or surgery. Repair is essential to prevent meningitis. Most CSF leaks can be repaired endoscopically through the nose using multilayer reconstruction techniques with high success rates (>95%).

Skull base surgery costs depend on tumor type and location, surgical approach (endoscopic vs. open), need for combined surgery with neurosurgery, use of navigation systems, ICU requirements, hospital stay duration, and individual patient complexity. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide comprehensive skull base surgery with advanced endoscopic equipment and multidisciplinary expertise at economical costs. Detailed cost estimates are provided during consultation based on your specific condition.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign but locally aggressive vascular tumor occurring in adolescent males. It causes nosebleeds and nasal obstruction. Treatment is surgical removal, which can be challenging due to heavy bleeding. Pre-operative embolization reduces blood loss. Dr. Vidhyadharan has experience managing these complex tumors with excellent outcomes using endoscopic or combined approaches.