Endoscopic Endonasal Drainage of Petrous Apex Cholesterol Granuloma

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This narrated video illustrates the endoscopic endonasal approach for drainage of a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma. The surgical sequence of the procedure, starting preoperative evaluation of diagnostic imaging and concluding with the endoscopic resection of the petrous apex lesion, will be demonstrated. The intraoperative findings that influence the key steps taken in this procedure will be discussed. In appropriately selected patients, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach provides an effective method to surgically treat a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma.
The outcome objectives for the audience are to (1) recognize the presentation of a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma based upon diagnostic imaging; (2) understand the surgical sequence in the endonasal transsphenoidal drainage of a petrous apex cholesterol granuloma; and (3) appreciate the feasibility of the endoscopic approach to surgically manage certain petrous apex lesions.