Complications of anterior skull base surgery

Anterior skull base operations are complex surgical procedures that are performed to treat serious and complicated diseases. Despite significant advances in surgical techniques, complications are relatively frequent and can be serious. Endoscopic skull base surgery seems to be associated with less complications than open techniques. Different classifications aimed at categorizing these complications have been suggested, the use of which can be recommended when reporting complication rates. The most relevant and frequent complications of anterior skull base surgery are hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, and cranial nerve injury. Careful planning, close interdisciplinary cooperation, the competence of the skull base center and its members, and rigorous quality management are decisive for the avoidance of complications. With respect to the frequency and the seriousness of the complications, their meticulous and complete discussion with the patient before obtaining informed consent plays a central role.