Advanced ENT and Multidisciplinary Care in Sydney
Skull base surgery is a highly specialised field that involves treating complex conditions located at the junction of the brain, face, and neck. These surgeries are often performed to remove tumours, repair defects, or manage abnormalities at the base of the skull – a region that contains critical nerves, blood vessels, and the brainstem.
At Central Sydney ENT, Dr Arjuna Ananda works closely with neurosurgeons and other specialists to deliver advanced care using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques whenever possible. As Head of ENT at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Dr Ananda is experienced in managing both routine and rare skull base conditions.
Dr Ananda treats a range of conditions affecting the skull base, including:
These conditions require careful evaluation and planning to ensure treatment is effective and safe, particularly given the proximity to vital brain and nerve structures.
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
This is a minimally invasive technique performed through the nasal passages. It avoids external incisions and is often used for tumours like pituitary adenomas, sinonasal cancers, and CSF leak repairs.
Open Skull Base Surgery
This traditional approach may be required for larger or more invasive tumours that cannot be accessed endoscopically. It involves external incisions and is performed collaboratively with a neurosurgical team.
Combined/Multi-Team Approach
Some cases require a hybrid approach that combines endoscopic and open techniques, involving specialties such as ENT, neurosurgery, and occasionally ophthalmology. Dr Ananda performs most skull base surgeries endoscopically, with fewer than 20% needing combined access.
Before undergoing surgery, patients will typically have:
This process ensures that the surgical plan is safe, thorough, and tailored to preserve key functions such as vision, smell, and neurological health.
