Our expertise

We advise and treat patients with conditions of the base of the skull. In doing so, we always carefully
consider the advantages and disadvantages of a possible treatment. We always consider patient's
wishes and are aware that treatment is not always the best solution. Care is individualized by definition and very much dependent on the condition of the patients themselves. We believe we are experts in this personalized care since

  1. Our extensive experience
  2. The relative large number of patients that are treated
  3. The modern examination techniques and treatment methods at our disposal
  4. Our up to date knowledge of recent research

The base of the skull

The base of the skull is a large area in the head, it is the area between the brain and other facial structures at the front and the side of the head. It is mainly built up of bony parts with several vital structures running through this, such as nerves, blood vessels and sensory organs. The base of the skull can be divided in the anterior (frontal) and lateral (side) base.

The anterior skull base is located between the brain and the nasal cavities and the eye sockets. Here, also the olfactory (organ for smell) and the pituitary gland (a hormonal gland at the bottom of the brain) can be found. Operations in this area take place via an external approach and
sometimes through the nose in which case cameras are used to visualize the operation field.
 
The lateral skull base (side of the skull) is the area around the temporal bone which contains amongst others the hearing and balance organs, as well as the facial nerve responsible for a patients facial expressions.

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Centers of clinical expertise Centers of clinical expertise Radboudumc and Maastricht UMC+ Center of Expertise for Skull Base Pathology

About the Center of Expertise

The center Skull base pathology offers advice, research and possible treatment for people with a disorder at the base of the skull. read more

About the Center of Expertise

People suffering skull base pathology are invited to visit our center of expertise for advice, research and potential treatment.
 
We have experience in treating patients with conditions within or in relation to the base of the skull. The base of the skull is a large area in the center of the head; it is the area between the brain and other (facial) structures like the (inner)ears eyes and the nose, but also the cerebellum. The majority is made up of bony structures.
 
There is not a single kind of skull base physician as both the surgeons from the brain (neurosurgeons) or surgeons of the ear, nose  and throat (ENT surgeons) can specialize in operating this area. Furthermore, radiotherapists can treat skull base pathologies. Hence, skull base pathology management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
 
The Radboudumc is known throughout the country for its expertise in this field. For example, each year, the various departments involved see more than 300 new patients who have been referred from other hospitals. Also, operations are carried out in this field on a weekly basis. There is close cooperation between the various disciplines in both patient care and research. Also, there are good relations with several patient associations.
 
The center of expertise in skull base pathology has been acknowledged by the Ministry of Health,
Welfare and Sport.

Contact our center of expertise

(024) 36 17 203
 contact form

Your visit

At our center of expertise, an ENT phyisician, a neurosurgeon or a radiotherapist will interview you. Consultation takes place with other specialists, such as radiologists, neurologists and internist endocrinologists.

Our expertise

We advise and treat patients with conditions at the base of the skull. In doing so, we always carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of a possible treatment. read more

ERN

For referrers

In principle, only specialists (both internal and external) make referrals. The most relevant specialists (ENT or neurosurgery) can make this referral. read more

For referrers

ENT (KNO)
Radboudumc
Huispost 383
Postbus 9101
6500 HB Nijmegen
+31 (0)24 361 35 06
                         
Neurosurgery
Radboudumc
Huispost 725
Postbus 9101
6500 HB Nijmegen
+31 (0)24 361 66 04
 
Radiotherapy
Radboudumc
Huispost 871
Postbus 9101
6500 HB Nijmegen
+31 (0)24 361 45 05
 
In general, only specialists (both internal and external) make referrals. This is most often done to either the ENT physician or a neurosurgeon. If you have any doubts or questions about the referral, please contact a specialist you know or send an email to schedelbasispathologie@radboudumc.nl.
 
For emergency referrals, please contact the specialist or physician's assistant on duty. You can also call the secretarial office, and, if possible, one of the team members will redirect you.
 
If, as a referrer, you wish to attend a meeting of the work group, you are of course welcome. You can register via schedelbasispathologie@radboudumc.nl or with a team member you know. Meetings are held every four weeks on Wednesday.

Research and education

Research

This center of expertise investigates various lines of research as:

  • Researching the prevention of these tumors, correct diagnosis and treatment decision-making. Also setting up a national database.

Education

Every year, we organize an international course in ear surgery and neurotology. It also deals with skull base pathology. See: www.earsurgery.eu. Furthermore, there is a fellow otology - neurotology - active in this field. If you are interested, you can contact one of the team members. visit earsurgery.eu