Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Odontoidectomy: A Single-Center Experience

Background: Odontoidectomy for basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction pathology traditionally has been performed using a transoral route. However, the endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior craniovertebral junction may offer safer and more effective access when compared with transoral approaches. The objective of this study is to review the surgical outcomes and complications associated with endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy.

Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of all adult patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy at a single tertiary care center between January 2011 and May 2019.

Results: Seventeen patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy were included. The median age at admission was 67 years (range: 33-84 years) and 65% of the patients were female. One patient (1/17, 6%) had vertebral artery injury, which had to be coiled with no neurologic deficits, and 4 patients (4/17, 24%) had intraoperative CSF leaks with no postoperative leak. Fourteen (14/17, 82%) patients were extubated by postoperative day 1. Three patients (3/17, 18%) developed postoperative sinus infections and required antibiotics. Eight patients (8/17, 47%) developed transient postoperative dysphagia. One patient (1/17, 6%) had postoperative epistaxis and 1 patient (1/17, 6%) had postoperative lower cranial nerve symptoms. The median length of hospital stay was 13 days (range: 2-44 days).

Conclusions: Although the transoral approach has been the traditional route for anterior decompression of the craniovertebral junction, endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy is a feasible and well-tolerated procedure associated with satisfactory patient outcomes and low morbidity.