The evolution of endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. Across all surgical specialities, including rhinology, advancements in technology have allowed clinicians to push the frontiers of endoscopic surgery to where it is now. Specific to nasal surgery, this has meant an evolution from basic nasal polyp surgery where it started, to complex cranial base pathologies with orbital and intracranial involvement.
Our understanding of sinonasal anatomy and physiology rapidly improved with the advent of the rigid endoscope, allowing for more detailed up-close inspection of paranasal sinus anatomy. This was the beginning of a technological revolution which allowed us to further explore beyond the sinuses into the realms of Skull Base. This research project and thesis of Karan Jolly focuses on key components of Anterior Skull Base Surgery that have allowed us to tackle challenging pathologies at anatomically sensitive locations. I hope to give an overall summary of the journey of Anterior Skull Base surgery over the years and the importance of skull base reconstruction in allowing us achieve what we have today.
