Expert consensus on processes and operations of navigation-guided needle biopsy techniques for skull base tumors / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Skull base surgery is an interdisciplinary subject. The anatomical structures in the skull base related to oral and maxillofacial surgery include parapharyngeal space, pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal space. This operative area is one of the most challenging surgical areas in oral and maxillofacial surgery due to its deep site, complex anatomy and high risk. For skull base lesions, whether for preoperative biopsy or surgical treatment, there is a greater degree of difficulty and risk. Obtaining pathological information of the tumor preoperatively may help the surgeons optimize their treatment plan. Needle biopsy is one of the major minimally invasive ways to obtain the preoperative pathological results. The navigation technology, which is developing rapidly nowadays, provides a reliable assistance for deep tissue biopsy surgery. Experts from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chinese Stomatological Association formulated an expert consensus on processes and operation of navigation-guided needle biopsy techniques for skull base tumors, so as to standardize and promote the application and operation of navigation-guided needle biopsy for skull base tumors.