Skull base surgery is a surgery performed by ENT specialists to treat problems at the base of the skull where the brain sits above the nose, sinuses and ears. It removes disease and repairs defects with precise techniques that protect vision, hearing, balance and facial nerves.

At Ascent Hospital in Kerala we deliver skull base surgery through a coordinated ENT and neurosurgical team that uses advanced endoscopic methods and careful rehabilitation. This blog explains skull base surgery in simple terms, who may need it and how our approach reduces risk while speeding recovery. You will see why choosing the best ENT Hospital in Kerala for complex head and neck care can make a real difference.

When do patients need skull base surgery ENT?

Doctors consider skull base surgery  for conditions that affect the natural corridors between the nose, sinuses, ear and the brain. Common reasons include:

• Pituitary tumors and other midline lesions reachable through the nose

• Sinonasal tumors like inverted papilloma or esthesioneuroblastoma

• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks and meningoencephaloceles

• Acoustic neuroma and other cerebellopontine angle tumors managed with ENT and neurosurgery

• Chronic ear disease such as cholesteatoma with skull base erosion

• Glomus jugulare and temporal bone tumors

• Skull base osteomyelitis in high risk patients

• Complex trauma affecting the orbit, nose or ear with skull base injury

People often search online for ENT skull base surgery when they have persistent headaches, nasal blockage, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, imbalance or clear fluid leaking from the nose. A focused ENT evaluation with nasal endoscopy, hearing tests and imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

Why choose Ascent for skull base surgery

Ascent ENT Hospital Kerala is Kerala’s first ISO and NABH accredited ENT specialty hospital. Our skull base surgery  service integrates otology, rhinology, head and neck oncology, neurosurgery and anaesthesia under one roof. Patients benefit from 24 hrs ENT emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging, ICU support and structured rehabilitation.

• Dedicated program for Anterior skull base surgery that uses high definition endoscopes and image guidance for precision

• Collaborative care model with neurosurgeons for combined approaches when needed

• Audiology and Speech Language Pathology for hearing, balance and voice rehabilitation

• Balance and vertigo clinic for tailored vestibular therapy

• International access with a Dubai branch that helps coordinate pre and post operative care for global patients

Depth in ear microsurgery that supports skull base outcomes

Mastery in delicate ear surgery translates into safer work near hearing and facial nerves. Our consultants have strong microsurgical credentials across procedures like stapes surgery, ossicular chain reconstruction and tympanic membrane repair.

• Explore our expertise with the Best Stapedectomy surgeon in India

• Learn about middle ear reconstruction with the Best ossiculoplasty surgeon in Kerala

• Meet a Best tympanoplasty surgeon in Kerala at our best ENT clinic in Kerala

If you are looking for an ENT clinic in Kerala with comprehensive skull base capability and a best ENT surgeon in Kerala, Ascent brings all services together in one place.

Skull base surgery ENT approaches at Ascent

Our team selects the safest route based on tumor location, hearing status and nerve preservation goals. The main approaches are summarized below.

These pathways are part of our Anterior skull base surgery service. For many nasal and sinus based problems skull base surgery can now be done endoscopically which often reduces recovery time compared with older open methods.

What to expect before, during and after surgery

Assessment and planning

You will undergo nasal endoscopy, hearing and balance tests and imaging like high resolution CT or MRI. Our Audiology and Speech Language Pathology team documents baseline speech, swallowing and hearing so progress is measurable. The surgeon explains the plan, the likely approach for skull base surgery and how risks will be minimized.

Day of surgery

Most procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. For endoscopic cases instruments pass through the nostrils and for ear based cases a small incision hides within natural creases around the ear. Image guidance and neuromonitoring help the team protect vision, hearing and facial movement throughout skull base surgery .

Recovery and follow up

Initial monitoring happens in a high dependency area. Nasal packs, splints or ear dressings are removed as healing progresses. A tailored plan covers wound care, saline rinses, activity limits and return to work. Follow up visits check healing, nerve function and tumor control with repeat imaging when needed. Vestibular therapy or hearing rehabilitation is started early when appropriate.

The Ascent advantage and your next step

Skull base surgery/ demands precision, planning and a team that lives and breathes complex ENT care. Ascent Hospital brings accreditation, technology and experience together to deliver safe, compassionate treatment for conditions at the skull base.

If you or a loved one has been advised to consider skull base surgery, start with a focused evaluation at Ascent and explore our dedicated service for Anterior skull base surgery. Schedule a consultation with our experts today. Our team will review your scans, explain options in clear language and build a plan that fits your goals.

Frequently asked questions

Is skull base surgery always endoscopic? 

Many nasal and sinus based problems are suitable for endoscopic routes, though certain tumors near the ear or brain may need a microscopic or combined approach.

How safe is the procedure at Ascent Hospital?

 Outcomes depend on diagnosis and general health. Our ISO and NABH accredited systems, advanced imaging and a coordinated team are designed to reduce risk and protect nerve function.

What symptoms suggest I might need evaluation?

 Persistent one sided nasal blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, clear fluid leak from the nose, progressive hearing loss, tinnitus or imbalance warrant an ENT assessment.

Will I lose my sense of smell or hearing? 

The goal is to preserve function. When disease already affects smell or hearing the team explains expected changes and plans rehabilitation early.

How long does recovery take after skull base surgery ent?

 Many endoscopic cases return to routine activity within a few weeks, while larger combined procedures need a longer timeline. Your surgeon will personalize guidance.

Do you treat children for skull base conditions? 

Selected paediatric cases are managed in partnership with neurosurgery and paediatric anaesthesia after careful evaluation.

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