Drs. Ralph Dacey and Richard Chole remove a pituitary gland tumor using a minimally invasive endonasal approach. |
At Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Neuroscience Center, a multidisciplinary team of physicians from neurosurgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, radiology, radiation oncology and medical oncology coordinates the care of patients with all types of skull base tumors. This team uses specialized techniques to provide the safest, least invasive and most definitive treatment available.
Understanding Skull Base Tumor Surgery
The skull base is the region of the skull beneath the brain. Tumors in this area are often highly complex because of the complicated anatomy at the skull base.
Skull base surgery is a surgical technique that allows for removal of tumors such as:
- Meningiomas
- Acoustic neuromas
- Schwannomas
- Chordomas
- Chondrosarcomas
- Glomus tumors
- Metastases
- Craniofacial malignancies
Our skull base team uses the most advanced treatment techniques including computerized surgical navigation, endoscopy, intraoperative MRI, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and radiation/chemotherapy. The team meets on a regular basis to customize the management of patients with tumors affecting the skull base.
Minimally Invasive Pituitary Tumor Removal
A new procedure allows neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) to remove pituitary tumors through a patient’s nose, rather than through a large incision in the head. This endonasal, endoscopic, skull-based procedure results in a quicker recovery for patients with pituitary tumors and other tumors involving the skull base. And many of the complications seen with traditional tumor removal–such as numbness, pain and large incisions–are avoided. Patients typically go home three days after surgery with little to no pain.
For a referral to a Washington University neurologist or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 855.925.0631.