Skull Base Surgery — Anoki

Skull Base Surgery

Reaching one of the body's most complex regions, with precision and care

The skull base sits at the junction of the brain, major blood vessels, nerves and the sinuses — treating conditions here calls for specialized training. Dr. Rajesh Pathi will walk you through exactly what's involved for your specific case.

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Skull base imaging or endoscopic equipment≈ 540 × 400px

Complex location doesn't always mean a visible incision

Many skull base conditions, including common ones like pituitary tumors, can today be reached through the nose using an endoscope — with no external incision at all. Whether this applies to you depends on the specific condition and its exact location, which Dr. Pathi will assess carefully.

MCh

Neurosurgery Super-Specialization

Skull Base &

Neurovascular Focus

Endoscopic

Endonasal Options

2nd Opinion

Consultations Welcomed

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In plain language

What is the skull base, and why does it need special expertise?

The skull base is the floor of the skull, separating the brain above from the sinuses, nose, eye sockets and upper spine below. It's a crowded, narrow space containing some of the body's most important blood vessels and nerves — including those controlling vision, eye movement, facial sensation and hearing.

Surgery here requires training that goes beyond general neurosurgery, usually combining neurosurgical and ENT (ear, nose and throat) techniques to navigate the region safely.

What we treat

Conditions treated at the skull base

Pituitary Tumors

Growths of the pituitary gland, often reachable through the nose without external incisions.

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Cerebellopontine Angle (CPA) Tumors

Tumors near the hearing and balance nerves, including acoustic neuromas.

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Skull Base Meningiomas

Tumors arising from the membrane covering the brain at the skull base, usually slow-growing.

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Craniopharyngioma

A tumor near the pituitary gland, more common in children and young adults.

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Chordomas & Chondrosarcomas

Rare, slow-growing tumors arising from the base of the skull itself.

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CSF Leaks & Skull Base Trauma

Repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and defects following injury or prior surgery.

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How it's done

Surgical approaches to the skull base

Endoscopic endonasal approach

Reaching the tumor through the nose and sinuses using a thin endoscope — with no visible incision for many pituitary and selected skull base tumors. This approach is used where the tumor's location and type make it safe and effective.

Open skull base approaches

For tumors not reachable or safely treated through the nose, a traditional craniotomy tailored to the specific location is used — planned carefully around the surrounding nerves and vessels.

Often a team effort

Skull base surgery frequently involves close coordination with ENT specialists for the endonasal portion of a procedure, and may involve other specialists depending on the specific condition — you'll always know in advance who is involved in your care.

What to expect

Your surgical journey, stage by stage

Step 1

Detailed imaging & planning

Careful review of the tumor's exact location relative to critical structures.

Step 2

Team coordination

Involving ENT or other specialists where the approach requires it.

Step 3

Preparation

Clear instructions on medication, fasting, and what to expect.

Step 1

Anesthesia & positioning

Careful setup for the specific approach being used.

Step 2

The procedure

Performed with image guidance and close attention to surrounding structures.

Step 3

Post-op monitoring

Close observation before you're moved to a ward.

Step 1

Hospital recovery

Duration depends on the specific procedure and approach used.

Step 2

Hormone & function checks

Where relevant, monitoring of hormone levels or specific nerve function during recovery.

Step 3

Ongoing follow-up

Scheduled imaging and specialist reviews over time.

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Your Skull Base Surgeon

Dr. Rajesh Pathi

MBBS, MS, MCh, FMISS — Skull Base & Neurovascular Surgeon

Dr. Pathi's super-specialization (MCh) includes focused training in skull base surgery. He believes patients facing a condition in this complex region deserve a clear explanation of exactly what's involved — not just reassurance that it's "doable."

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Common questions

Questions patients often have

Will I have a visible scar from skull base surgery?

Often not — many conditions can be treated through the nose with no external incision. Whether this applies depends on your specific tumor and its location, which will be explained clearly.

Why does skull base surgery sometimes involve an ENT doctor?

For the endoscopic endonasal approach, an ENT specialist's expertise in the nasal and sinus anatomy is valuable alongside neurosurgical expertise — this is a recognized, coordinated way of treating these conditions.

Is skull base surgery riskier than other brain surgery?

Risk depends on the specific condition, its exact location, and the structures nearby — not on the category "skull base" alone. Dr. Pathi will explain the specific risks for your case.

Can I get a second opinion for a skull base tumor?

Yes, absolutely — and it's especially reasonable given how specialized this area is. Bring your imaging and existing recommendation to your consultation.

Whenever you're ready, we're here to help you understand what's next

Book a consultation with Dr. Rajesh Pathi — take the time you need, and bring anyone you'd like with you.

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