Skull Base Surgery

September, 2024

Chairs: Paul Gardner, MD, and Danny Prevedello, MD

Members: Linda Bi, MD, Vincent DiNapoli, MD, PhD, Eze Goldschmidt, MD, Jamie Van Gompel, MD, Michael Ivan, MD, Christina Jackson, MD, Pamela Jones, MD, John Lee, MD, Michael Link, MD, Juan Fernandez-Miranda, MD, Pablo Recinos, MD, Bhuvic Patel, MD, Shaan Raza, MD, and Georgios Zenonos, MD.

The first half of 2024 has been marked by significant advancements and collaborations in the field of skull base surgery, as evidenced by the NASBS and ESBS meetings. These events have not only highlighted the importance of technological innovation but also the critical role of international cooperation in driving the field forward. With thousands of experts engaged across these events, the Skull Base Committee remains committed to fostering these developments and supporting the global community of skull base surgeons.

North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) Annual Meeting – February 2024, Atlanta, Georgia

The 33rd NASBS Annual Meeting took place from February 8-11, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together more than 1,200 leading experts in skull base surgery from across North America and beyond. Dr. Siviero Agazzi and Program co-chairs Drs. Donato Pacione and Shirley Su. Focused on the theme “The Skull Base is Flat,” this meeting attracted more than 800 abstract submissions. The meeting highlighted how skull base surgeons and societies around the world have flattened the field of skull base surgery, making it more accessible and safe to all. The conference also featured keynotes from renowned surgeons and researchers, emphasizing the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgeries and the integration of AI in surgical planning. Hands-on workshops provided attendees with the opportunity to practice cutting-edge techniques in endoscopic and microsurgical approaches. Meeting highlights were:

  •  A scientific program organized by “specialty tracks” that cover the different anatomical areas of skull base pathologies.
  • Special Pituitary Education Day dedicated to the Legacy of Dr. Fred Gentili.
  • Rhoton Room sessions featuring new Orbital Dueling Dissections in Open and Endoscopic Approaches.
  • Networking opportunities, including an evening social event at the Georgia Aquarium!

European Skull Base Society (ESBS) Meeting – June 2024, Maastricht, Netherlands

The European Skull Base Society held its biennial meeting from June 5-7, 2024, in Maastricht, Netherlands. The event attracted more than 800 participants from across Europe and other parts of the world, fostering collaboration between European and global experts in skull base surgery. The theme of the meeting was “Evidence Skull Base,” emphasizing the importance of making decisions based on data. It was heavily focused on the integration of emerging technologies, including the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in surgical planning and education. Multidisciplinary panels discussed the future of skull base surgery in light of these technological advances, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration to tackle complex skull base tumors. Noteworthy presentations included studies on the outcomes of advanced radiotherapy techniques in skull base tumors and the development of novel biomarkers for early detection and treatment customization.

Both meetings facilitated robust networking opportunities, encouraging knowledge exchange and fostering new partnerships in clinical and research domains.

Finally, we are excited to have formed a task force of NASBS and section members to increase Tumor Section skull base participation and content. With strong encouragement from Costas Hadjipanayis, we are planning for a combination of webinars and broadened skull base content at both satellite and CNS and AANS meetings. More to come on this collaboration very shortly.