Expanded Endonasal Approach
The Expanded Endonasal Approach (EEA) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique refined at UPMC that gives surgeons access to the base of the skull, central brain, and top of the spinal cord by operating through the nose and nasal sinuses.
EEA treats once “inoperable” or hard-to-reach tumors, blood vessel problems, and other conditions in critical areas of the brain, skull base, and spine, typically leaving no scars and fewer, if any, lingering side-effects than traditional craniofacial surgery. Patients can often be discharged within two days. Some procedures require only overnight stays.
EEA, also called endoscopic transnasal brain surgery, has been used to remove benign and malignant tumors, some as large as baseballs, all through the nose. It allows access to and removal of tumors from the “inside out” without disturbing the face or skull. There is no need for incisions at all, as the nose provides the surgery passage.
Patients with malignant cancers who have EEA surgery can start chemotherapy or radiation treatment almost immediately, without the need to wait for wounds to heal, giving the drugs a chance to work sooner. Learn more about the history of EEA at UPMC and EEA clinical outcomes at UPMC.
State-of-the-art instruments and surgical suites
EEA uses a specially designed endoscope, a tubular device inserted through the nostril that provides optical fiber
light and a lens for seeing and transmitting internal images. Highly crafted drills and other specially designed instruments are used alongside the endoscope for dissection and tumor removal.
UPMC neurosurgeon Amin Kassam, MD, and otolaryngologists
Ricardo Carrau, MD and Carl Snyderman, MD, refined the expanded endonasal approach and lead the interdisciplinary EEA surgical team. EEA surgeries are performed in state-of-the-art suites with sophisticated imaging technology. Watch videos of our surgeons explaining and performing EEA surgeries.
To learn more about EEA at MINC, or to request a consultation,
go to Appointments & Referrals.