Abstract

Skull base surgery is a highly complex field in neurosurgery, involving the removal of tumors or addressing lesions located at the base of the skull. Traditionally, open surgical approaches were used to access these areas, but recent advancements in endoscopic techniques have led to growing interest in minimally invasive alternatives. This study aims to compare the outcomes, complications, and quality of life (QoL) for patients undergoing endoscopic versus open skull base surgery. We analyzed data from a cohort of 200 patients treated for various skull base pathologies over the last five years. Our findings indicate that endoscopic approaches, while offering advantages such as reduced recovery time and less postoperative pain, are associated with a higher risk of intraoperative complications. Open surgery, though more invasive, allows for better visualization in complex cases and yields favorable long-term functional outcomes in certain conditions.