Complications in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

Abstract: Expanded endonasal approaches have allowed for minimally invasive access to challenging regions of the cranial base. Although these approaches have revolutionized skull base surgery, the complex anatomy and challenges of endoscopic visualization and instrumentation require experience and a team approach to safely master and maximize outcomes for patients. Yet even in experienced hands, endoscopic orbital and skull base surgery is accompanied by significant risk and potential complications. These complications can be generally divided into minor and major complications with potentially fatal outcomes. This chapter highlights the recent literature, incidence, management, and outcomes regarding these complications in endonasal skull base surgery, with a particular focus on orbital surgery.