Skull Base Tumors: Surgical Considerations

Abstract Surgical resection is considered the mainstay treatment modality of most skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas. Adequate exposure for maximal safe tumor resection while reducing the risks of complications and properly reconstructing the skull base defect created during the approach are the fundamental principles of skull base surgery. Nevertheless, the choice of surgical approach to these tumors requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the central skull base from which they most commonly arise. This chapter will review important considerations in the management of patients harboring skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas with emphasis on surgical treatment and will include a comprehensive description of open transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches, which should ultimately assist the reader in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach and treatment strategy for individual patients.