Endoscopic endonasal removal of the invaginated odontoid process of the C2 vertebra

Abstract

The endoscopic endonasal approach, compared to the standard transoral approach, has significant advantages in that the soft palate remains intact, the oropharynx area is less damaged, and the hospitalization and rehabilitation duration is reduced. Also, there are no problems and complications such as possible failure of sutures in the oral cavity and a large wound surface in the oropharynx area. The patient can eat on his own immediately after the operation without the use of a stomach tube (it does not cause any inflammatory complications of the oral cavity). However, the surgical technique of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the C1-C2 segment is more complex than that of transoral surgery and requires the surgeon to be skilled and experienced.