Near East University Hospital is pride of being the only and first hospital on the island that performed a successful skull base surgery using intraoperative navigation system.
Near East University Hospital otorhinolaryngologists, ENT Head and Neck surgeons are on the leading edge of treating conditions related with otorhinolaryngology - head and neck surgery by using the latest innovations and techniques.
Under the helm of Professor Ferhat Erişir, the Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Near East University Hospital, an experienced team of 9 staff consisting of ENT doctors, anesthetists, surgical nurses and technicians performed a successful skull base tumor surgery by using intraoperative navigation system. The 48 year old patient was discharged within a week without needing any add-on therapy after the operation.
The 48 year old patient Zihniye Tınastepe admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Section of Near East University Hospital with severe dizziness and headache complaint. Following the diagnostic MRI Scan and CT imaging, the patient diagnosed with skull base tumor -7cm in diameter - extending from ethmoidal sinus to the brain stem posteriorly as well as partial bone erosion proximal to the brain.
Since the skull base tumor covered a large area extending to the brain stem, the expert and highly experienced ENT - Head and Neck Surgery team of Near East University Hospital tailored a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery approach using intraoperative navigation system which is a high end innovative technique used for tumor removal through the nose by traversing sinuses without any incision. The 7 cm skull base tumor removed successfully through a well-tailored operation lasting 3 hours.
The Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Near East University Hospital, Professor Ferhat Erişir delivered information regarding the minimally invasive surgery using intraoperative navigation system. “This innovative navigation system allows the surgeons to visualize the tumor and its surrounding structures while performing the surgery by using nose and sinuses as channels to reach tumors without making an incision. In order to prevent intraoperative hemorrhage, the blood pressure of the patient was lowered and taken under control. No remarkable bleeding was experienced during three hour lasting surgery. The entire skull base tumor was removed successfully. No postoperative complication was developed as well”.
The multidisciplinary team of experienced neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists of Near East University Hospital performed a high-risk skull base tumor surgery successfully by using innovative advanced technology.
Surgical removal of skull base tumors that located in an area hard to reach presents significant risks because important nerve and brain structures may be involved. This type of procedure requires a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists who have extensive experience in using innovative and advanced techniques. The ENT - Neck and Head Surgeon Team of Near East University Hospital has extensive experience and they are on the leading edge of treating hard to reach tumors that once considered inoperable. Considering the location of the 7 cm tumor, the multidisciplinary team of experienced neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists of Near East University Hospital tailored an innovative approach surgery using navigation system and removed the entire skull base tumor successfully.
Skull base tumor symptoms & signs
Prof. Dr. Ferhat Erişir also delivered information about the skull base symptoms: "All symptoms tend to start at any age slowly and gradually get worse over time. Skull base tumors may not produce any symptoms or signs until they grow and cause pressure on vital structures in the brain. Although skull base tumors are generally benign (non-cancerous) tumors, they may be life-threatening and fatal if not treated. Depending on the specific location of the tumor, symptoms and signs can vary. Common symptoms of skull base tumors include: Runny or stuffy nose, severe pain and pressure in the face/sinuses, hearing loss or tinnitus, blurry/double vision, dizziness and loss of balance when walking. People suffering from such symptoms need to consult an ENT - Head and Neck surgeon” noted he