Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approach to Tumors of the Clivus and Anterior Region of the Posterior Cranial Fossa (Results of Surgical Treatment of 136 Patients).

Introduction With the introduction into the neurosurgical practice of minimally invasive methods using endoscopic techniques, it became possible to effectively remove hard-to-reach tumors, including central tumors of the anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa. Objective To analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with various centrally located tumors of the base of the skull that extend into the anterior region of the posterior cranial fossa using the endoscopic endonasal transclival approach. Methods The personal surgical experience of the first author is 136 patients with various tumors (e.g., chordomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and fibrous dysplasia). Results Radicality of tumor removal was total 61.03%; subtotal 25%; partial 13.23%; and insufficient removal 0.74%. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred in 9 cases (6.62%) and meningitis in 13 cases (9.56%). In 2 cases, surgical treatment had a lethal outcome (1.47%). Conclusions The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach can be used to obtain access to centrally located skull base tumors. This approach allows for a radical and low-risk removal of various skull base tumors of central localization that, until recently, were considered to be almost inoperable. Highlights • We present our experience of endoscopic endonasal transclival removal of mid located skull base tumors. • Personal surgical experience of the first author is 136 patients with various tumors (chordomas, meningiomas, etc.). • This approach allows for a radical and low-risk removal of various skull base tumors of central localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]