ABSTRACT
In this study, 31 cases with different anterior skull base lesions mandating broad
exposure, including the sphenoidal, parasellar, and clival region, were surgically
treated using the frameless computer assisted surgery (CAS) system. The contribution
of navigated surgery in relation to the broad exposure and direct visualization of
this region rendered by the subcranial-subfrontal approach was evaluated. In group
I, consisting of extensive tumors, the contribution of CAS was only given in five
cases for the exposure of the tumor extensions located to the parasellar sphenoclival
complex with concomitant distortion of the anatomic landmarks. No advantages were
experienced in the more anterior locations along the ethmoidal compartment and frontal
sinus. In the cases in group II, consisting of congenital anomaly implying fronto-orbital
advancement and a meningoencephalocele as well as extensive mucoceles, the CAS was
only helpful in those cases with an extremely aberrative anatomy in these regions.
KEYWORD
Anterior skull base tumors - subcranial/subfrontal approach - navigated skull base
surgery