Pioneering skull ops through nose

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Using a pioneering technique, surgeons are conducting cutting-edge brain operations through the nose.

Known as endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery, the operation removes tumours by using an endoscope that transmits images onto a high-definition TV screen in the operating theatre.

The procedure, which removes tumours located at the base of the skull and at the top of the spine, has been developed by Indian consultant skull base neurosurgeon Nijaguna Mathad and ENT surgeon Salil Nair at Southampton General Hospital's Wessex Neurological Centre.

"This minimal access and maximal invasive procedure is at the cutting edge of neurosurgery," Dr Mathad said.

"One of the first patients we used this technique on was suffering from a tumour with an erosion of the skull base."

Previously, the facial skeleton had to be split or the scalp peeled back and the skull on the forehead removed for the same operation to be conducted.

Dr Mathad said the new procedure allows for a shorter recovery time as no incisions are made on the head.

"The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged from hospital within 48 hours, which was a truly short stay for such a major procedure."

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