Expanded Endonasal Approach (EEA): Endoscopic Surgery Found More Safe and Effective than Traditional Brain Tumor Surgery

Pioneered by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center surgeons, an endoscopic brain surgery has been found to be potentially safer and in most cases more effective that conventional surgery in children with life-threatening tumors.

The Expanded Endonasal Approach (EEA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves using narrow scopes and surgical tools inserted through the nasal passage to remove tumors as large as baseballs.

On the other hand, the traditional approach for removing benign or malignant tumors at the skull base has involved craniofacial approaches that require peeling away skin and soft tissue, as well as musculature over the facial elements – an approach that is often not only cosmetically disfiguring but could lead to consequences to manipulating important neural tissue such as the optic nerve and the carotid artery.

This novel method offers a viable option for tumors in children and in most cases where no surgical alternative is possible.

According to lead author Amin Kassam, MD, associate professor and interim chair, Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC:

“Minimally invasive endonasal surgery has many potential benefits over traditional surgery. Using these techniques we’ve developed, we are able to remove very large tumors without incisions and often with less risk of causing brain or nerve tissue damage as we are taking a more direct route to the tumor. Therefore, recovery may be faster with a shorter hospital stay.”

Results of the novel study are published in the February issue of the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.

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Article abstract.