Microsurgery of the Cranial Base

The preceding volumes having considered microsurgery of the brain as well as microsurgery of the Medulla spine, with its surrounding structures, it then seemed logical to cover microsurgery of the areas near the brain. In addition to daily work at the operation table, the increasing experience of the University of Freiburg Neurosurgical Hospital in the bordering areas of ophthalmology and ENT was stimulating. Of significance was the work with Prof. Dr. Renate Unsold, Freiburg University Ophthalmological Hospital (Director: Prof. Dr. G. Mackensen) whose experience, published together with C. B. Ostertag, J. DeGroot, and T. H. Newton in "Computer Refprmations of the Brain and Skull Base" offered valuable diagnostic ideas. Some of the findings attributed to Prof. Dr. R. Unsold and Doz. Dr. C. B. Ostertag are again covered here. I thank Prof. Dr. ChI. Beck, Director of University Freiburg ENT-Hospital, for his critical review of the chapter on oro-nasal hypophysis approach. Special appreciations go to my colleagues Doz. Dr. J. M. Gilsbach, Dr. H. R. Eggert, Dr. W. Hassler, and Dr. E. Grabner for suggestions and assistance in providing literature. Several anatomical preparations were made possible with the help of Prof. Dr. N. Boehm, Deputy Director of Freiburg University Institute of Pathology and Prof. Dr. J. Staubesand, Director of Freiburg University Anatomical Institute I. The translation of the text was undertaken by my colleague, Dr. E. Grabner, and Mrs. S. Godine, Freiburg. I am grateful to Mrs. E. Hilsenbeck-Hottek for typing the manuscript.