A CASE SERIES OF TRANSNASAL ENDOSCOPIC ODONTOID EXCISION

The endoscopic transnasal approach is an alternative for trans-oral approach in resection of the odontoid process, when the latter causes a brainstem compression or at cervicomedullary junction. However trans-oral route is a gold standard approach for decompression, transnasal route has many surgical advantages and also in reduction of post-operative complications. A report of four cases with brainstem compression due to odontoid process is presented to emphasis on the potential of this transnasal approach to the endoscopic rhinologist.