Technology and 3D Imaging for Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in Children

First, Dr. Langdon speaks about common conditions he treats as a skull base surgeon, such as Rathke cleft cysts and craniopharyngiomas. Most of his referrals come from neurosurgeons and opthamologists once the decision to take a transnasal approach over an open approach is made.

Next, he talks about pre-operative preparations. During his initial patient visit, he scopes his patients with a flexible scope and tries to record every scope procedure for educational and planning purposes. Every patient receives an MRI, and a CT scan is usually already obtained. Dr. Langdon does not prescribe any antibiotics or corticosteroids before surgery. Then, he discusses how he uses 3D models for surgical planning. For him, 3D models are useful in deciding between different surgical approaches and practicing difficult surgeries. He requests that his models are made true to size by biomedical engineers. He also tells his engineering team which structures need to be constructed (i.e.-nerves, carotid arteries, etc.). Then, Dr. Shah and Dr. Langdon discuss the implications of virtual reality for surgical education.

Then, the doctors discuss the use of technology in the operating room. Dr. Langdon does not often use image guidance. He sometimes uses neurosurgical guidance, but warns against becoming dependent on technology and not learning patient anatomy well. He thinks image-guided instruments are nice, but not necessary to have. Like Dr. Shah, he uses intrathecal fluorescein to look for CSF leaks. Then, the doctors also discuss the pros and cons of different types of flaps and packing.

Finally, Dr. Langdon speaks about his postoperative saline regimen. He recommends that all his pediatric patients use at least 100 mL for each side every 12 hours. Dr. Shah likes to show the patient and their families educational videos of sinus rinses before surgery so they are prepared postoperatively. Both doctors concede that synechiae (scar tissue) may form in kids, but they rarely take pediatric patients back to the OR for debridement.