What is a Cranial Base Surgeon?

A Cranial Base Surgeon is a member of a multidisciplinary team which includes specialists in the field of neurotology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology-head & neck surgery,  radiation oncology, neuro-oncology & interventional neuroradiology.  

Patients with complex tumors and disease will often be operated and cared for by a number of specialists simultaneously, each with their own highly specialized contributions and roles.  Cranial Base Surgery is also often referred to as Skull Base Surgery.

A neurotologist is particularly suited to the discipline of Cranial Base Surgery because of the specific expertise in the anatomy and microsurgery of the temporal bone.  The temporal bone is where the majority of nerves and blood vessels pass through the skull’s bony openings and pass into the face and neck.  

Some skull base surgeons are also trained in the use of fiberoptic endoscopes which are used in conjuction with image guidance systems to remove tumors through the face and nose.   

Dr. Fishman is the Director of Cranial Base Surgery at Northwesern Regional Medical Group Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield Illinois, USA.

He is a member of a multidisciplinary team treating a wide variety of complex tumors through endoscopic and microsurgical techniques.