Combined Endoscopic Microscopic Approaches to the Petrous Apex

Introduction: Lesions of the petrous apex are located in a functionally silent area of the skull base. However, to remove these lesions, approaches are used which may interfere with sensory or a motor function of cranial nerves.

Material and Methods: In 14 patients combined endoscopic microscopic approaches were used to remove different pathologies at the petrous apex using the microscope and the endoscope via a minimally invasive approach. In all patients pathology was successfully removed or drained without major neurologic deficits resulting from the procedure.

Conclusions: This approach offers an option to treat certain benign lesions of the petrous apex without inflicting functional damage to the patients.