Managing Skull Base Catastrophes in the Surgery Center: Rapid-fire Cases in Otologic and Sinus Surgery

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Surgical complications can be devastating for both the patient and the surgeon. Otolaryngologists frequently face challenges during ear and sinus surgery. This panel presentation aims to provide practical and actionable advice to comprehensive otolaryngologists and surgeons in training on how to avoid and manage devastating surgical complications during common sinus and otology procedures. These complications can profoundly affect patients’ function and quality of life.

This unique panel, composed of experienced anterior and lateral skull base surgeons, will explore highly relevant cases that reflect scenarios commonly encountered in general otolaryngology practice. The panelists will share their approach to critical evaluation of preoperative imaging and to dealing with iatrogenic complications of the anterior and lateral skull base.

The educational session will feature a wide range of interactive case presentations. The audience will be engaged through real-time polling to gauge opinions and decisions at critical points in the case discussions. This dynamic session will illustrate the utility of pre-operative imaging in identifying challenging anatomy that may alter the surgical approach, the importance of sound surgical technique to help prevent complications, and the decision-making process when complications do occur.

Fifteen minutes will be reserved for discussing audience-submitted cases. Attendees are encouraged to submit their cases in advance, with selected cases being featured during the discussion. Please submit your case by Friday, September 26, 2025, to mnader@mdanderson.org.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize which findings on pre-operative imaging can increase the risk of major surgical complications

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Implement advanced surgical approaches and techniques to avoid complications

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Summarize the management of complex complications involving the cribriform plate, lamina propria, tegmen, vascular structures, inner ear, cochlear implants, and facial nerve that can occur during otologic and sinus surgery

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Need for a review on how to avoid and manage serious complications that can arise during otologic and sinus surgery. This session will help enhance patient safety and surgical outcomes, and it will reinforce the surgeon's ability to navigate through and resolve high-pressure situations.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : This submission aligns with the Comprehensive Otolaryngology track as it addresses critical complications relevant to all comprehensive otolaryngologists who perform sinus and ear surgery. The practical, case-based format covers a wide breadth of scenarios seen in general ENT practice.