Abstract
Nowadays endoscopic skull base reconstruction is safely and effectively performed
by means of two-dimensional (2-D) endoscopic technique. The aim of our study is to
compare our 2-D experience with the novel 3-D technology in the field of skull base
reconstruction techniques. In this study four patients treated with various kinds
of planned duraplasty are included. The new 3-D technology was compared with the high-definition
2-D scopes during the different steps of the procedures. The 3-D endoscopic skull
base reconstruction obtained primary closure without complications in all cases. According
to the subjective opinion of experienced endosurgeons, this novel technique improved
depth perception, distance and size estimation, ability to identify specific anatomic
structures, and hand–eye coordination. The main drawbacks detected were inferior sharpness,
contrast and lighting that impaired the application of the technique in narrow sinonasal
spaces. According to our preliminary impressions, 3-D endoscopic skull base reconstruction
is an effective and safe procedure and could represent a significant advantage for
accurate managing of the skull base region.
Keywords
three-dimensional - stereoscopic - skull base reconstruction - endoscopic - duraplasty