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Skull Base 2010; 20(3): 199-205
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1246220
CASE REPORT

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Craniocervical Junction

Annesse Lee1 , 2 , Doron Sommer1 , 2 , Kesava Reddy2 , 3 , Naresh Murty2 , 3 , Thorsteinn Gunnarsson4
  • 1Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Department of Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Ontario, Canada
  • 3Division of Neurosurgery, McMaster University, McMaster Children's Hospital, Ontario, Canada
  • 4Department of Surgery, McMaster Children's Hospital, Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 January 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Anterior access to the craniocervical junction has traditionally been through a transoral approach. With the advent of newer techniques, recent literature suggests a possible role for a transnasal endoscopic approach to the craniocervical junction. A review of the literature primarily consists of case reports and three anatomic cadaveric studies demonstrating the feasibility of an endonasal approach. In this retrospective review, we report our experience with four patients who underwent an endoscopic transnasal approach to the C1–C2 region. The surgical technique using a binasal endoscopic approach is described. The results indicate that the procedure is well tolerated with no significant deleterious sequelae. Although the use of this technique is in its early stages, the transnasal approach may offer a safe and effective alternative with minimal morbidity. Larger clinical studies are necessary to further explore the risks and benefits of this procedure.

KEYWORDS

Transnasal approach - craniocervical junction - endoscope - surgical technique

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Doron SommerM.D. F.R.C.S.C. 

Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University

3V1–1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5

Email: ddsommer@hotmail.com

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