Decision Making in Lateral Skull Base Surgery

Lateral skull base surgery encompasses a number of lesions and also a variety of approaches to deal with them. Correct understandingof the nature of the lesion as also various patient factors are used to decide on surgical option wherever indicated. The extent of thelesion and also the involvement of structures adjacent to the lesion is discussed with the neuroradiology team, and is very important indeciding the most favorable surgical approach. The subject is explained preoperatively about staging of the procedure, if needed. Theprinciple is to gain maximal exposure of the lesion with good control of the neurovascular structures along the surgical route, so as tominimize morbidity. Correct decision making and good skill help in achieving the best possible results.