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Skull-Base Surgery - A Multidisciplinary Approach



Alvarado Hospital offers one of the few highly specialized programs in the western United States for the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of skull-base pathology.
 
The skull-base surgery program is dedicated to the surgical, medical and rehabilitative management of difficult-to-reach lesions and diseases of the cranial base. The surgical methods and advanced imaging techniques used by our specialists may reduce or eliminate many complications previously associated with complex skull-base surgery, with a goal to preserve function, provide optimal reconstruction, and rehabilitate and improve the patient's life. Collectively and individually, Alvarado specialists offer considerable experience and sophistication.
 
Innovative Model
 
Lesions in or around the cranial base present unique and difficult challenges to successful surgical treatment. The advent of several significant technological and surgical developments has resolved many of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Alvarado’s skull-base surgery program represents one of the few multidisciplinary teams in the western United States capable of implementing such advances.
 
Technological and surgical advances have progressed the model of treating lesions and diseases of the cranial base. The improved safety of interventional procedures in neuroradiology has led to faster, safer and more definitive resections. Advances in interoperative monitoring of the patient have improved skull-base surgery outcomes, as well.
 
Patient-Focused Team Approach
 
Patients are screened and evaluated by a team of specialists in the fields of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery and neuroradiology. Results are reviewed and interpreted by a team member who develops a plan designed to meet the needs of the individual patient. If surgery is considered appropriate, a clinical pathway is created to define the role of each member of the surgical process. The procedure may include angiography, laser therapy and advanced techniques, such as profound hypothermia, including circulatory arrest, if necessary, for tumor removal. Post-operative rehabilitation facilities on the hospital campus help hasten the patient’s recovery and return to a normal lifestyle.
 
All recommendations, including adjunct treatment modalities, are discussed with the patient, family and referring physician. Digital online film transmissions are available for referring physicians.
 
In addition, Alvarado’s skull-base surgery program is part of a collaborative effort with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center. Therefore, patients benefit from the resources of Alvarado Hospital, the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute, and UCSD Medical Center and School of Medicine.
 
Lesions Treated
 
Tumors
  • Advanced head and neck tumors
  • Angiofibromas
  • Chordomas
  • Chondromas/chondrosarcomas
  • Craniopharyngiomas
  • Esthesioneuroblastomas
  • Meninglomas
  • Neurofibromas
  • Orbital tumors
  • Paranasal sinus neoplasms
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Schwannomas
  • Temporal bone tumors
Vascular Neoplasms
  • Arteriovenous malformations
  • Caroticocavernous fistula
  • Cavernous angiomas
  • Complex aneurysms
  • Glomus jugulare/vagale and tympanicum
  • Carotid body tumor
Trauma
  • Complex craniofacial fractures
  • CSF rhinorrhea
  • Orbital apex fractures with optic nerve compression
Congential Lesions
  • Basilar invaginations
  • Branchial cleft cysts
  • Congenital cysts
  • Craniofacial anomalies and malformations
  • Encephaloceles
  • Meningoceles
 
Physician Referral
 
Alvarado’s Physician Referral Service can help you find a surgeon who meets your needs. To find a physician, simply click on the Physician Finder or call 1 (800) ALVARADO (258-2723). Additional information regarding our skull-base surgery services also is available.
 
 
 


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