Basic Techniques in Neurotologic Surgery

The aim of neurootological surgical approaches used in skull base lesions is to reach the mass with as little brain parenchymal retraction as possible. For this purpose, the lesion is reached by removing the temporal bone parts and resection is performed. Surgical approaches in neurotology are largely determined by the type, size, residual hearing, and location of the tumor in the lateral skull base. For this reason, a detailed preoperative physical examination and audiologic and radiologic evaluation are becoming increasingly important. Patient age, anesthesia risk assessment, and surgeon experience and expertise also influence the choice of the approach. Surgical techniques and complementary radiosurgical options developing in the field of neurotology may offer patients effective treatment modalities.