Complex Endoscopic Endonasal Course

This three-day course highlights both surgical decision making and advanced techniques in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (training levels 3-5). Experts in the field will lead interactive case-based discussions on the indications, limitations and technical nuances of the procedures by anatomical site. Focus will be on expanded and coronal plane approaches as well as novel sinus approaches.

The course features lectures (including 3D anatomy), round table discussions, case presentations, fresh anatomical specimen prosection and dissection, and an optional interactive live surgery broadcast on Wednesday, November 8. Participants will also train on a cadaveric-based internal carotid artery injury simulator.

This course is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, the Department of Neurological Surgery, the Department of Otolaryngology, and the UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery.

Course Directors

Carl H. Snyderman, MD, MBA
Paul A. Gardner, MD
Eric W. Wang, MD
Georgios Zenonos, MD
Garret W. Choby, MD

Course Dates

November 9-11, 2023 

OPTIONAL: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Interactive Live Surgery Broadcast

Course Schedule

Day 1: Suprasellar and Retrochiasmatic Pathology; Anterior Cranial Fossa

Day 2: Clivus and Petrous Apex; Management and Prevention of Complications; Internal Carotid Artery Injury Simulation Exercise

Day 3: Cavernous Sinus and Middle Cranial Fossa; Internal Carotid Artery Injury Simulation Exercise

Target Audience

This course is intended for experienced skull base teams who wish to refine the technical nuances of endoscopic endonasal surgery of the ventral skull base (training levels 3-5) and apply endoscopic and reconstruction techniques to complex pathologies.

Participation by all individuals is encouraged. Advance notification of any special needs will help us provide better service. Please notify us of your needs at least three weeks in advance of the course by contacting Mary Jo Tutchko either by phone (001-412-647-8186) or by email (skullbasecourse@upmc.edu). 

Prerequisite

Interested participants must have attended the Comprehensive Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery of the Skull Base Course.  

Course Objectives

Following completion of this course, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the key anatomical relationship between the internal carotid artery, basilovertebral complex, intracranial arterial vasculature, cranial nerves, and ventral skull base from an endoscopic viewpoint.
  • Determine the appropriate surgical approach for skull base pathology.
  • Utilize a variety of vascularized pedicled flaps for skull base reconstruction.
  • Identify methods to avoid and manage complications during endoscopic skull base surgery including internal carotid artery injury.

Registration Fees

$5,000/team of two practicing physicians (can be split $2,500/person) *

• Teams of two (2) participants are required for this course.

Registration includes the course program book, all lectures, hands-on anatomic dissection, and course-related meals/social events.

Space is limited.  If you are interested in attending this course, please send an email—together with the name and email address of your teammate—to Mary Jo Tutchko, course manager at skullbasecourse@upmc.edu.

Course Location and Hotel Accommodations

UPMC Eye & Ear Institute Building/Biomedical Science Tower
203 Lothrop Street, 1st Floor, Room S-120
Pittsburgh (Oakland), PA 15213

Hotels within walking distance of campus:

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place (Course Hotel)
3454 Forbes Avenue 
Pittsburgh PA 15213 
Phone: 412-683-2040
Distance from campus 0.3 miles; travel time on foot 5 minutes

Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center
100 Lytton Avenue
Pittsburgh (Oakland), PA 15213
Phone: 412-682-6200
Distance from campus 0.7 miles; travel time on foot 10 minutes

The Oaklander – An Autograph Collection Hotel
5130 Bigelow Boulevard
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Phone: 412-578-8500
Distance from campus 0.6 miles; travel time on foot 10 minutes

Hampton Inn Pittsburgh University Center
3315 Hamlet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-681-1000
Special Rate Code: Corporate Account #0002733583 
Distance from campus 0.7 miles; travel time on foot 15 minutes

Continuing Medical Education Credit

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

What Other Participants Are Saying

Here’s what participants from our last course had to say:

  • “The course prepared us to perform more challenging endoscopic skull base cases.”
  •  “I am more prepared now to do extended approaches like the infratemporal fossa.”
  • “Live case demonstrations were key to reinforce the classroom work. Dissection time was more than adequate to become familiar with the anatomical dissections/approaches.”
  • “We really appreciated the time and effort invested in making this a great course!”

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing and sent via US/air mail, e-mail or fax. Tuition for cancellations postmarked or date-stamped 90 days before the first day of the course will be completely refunded. No refunds will be made if notice received less than 90 days from the first day of the course. Cancellation requests should be sent to:

Mary Jo Tutchko, Conference Manager 
UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery 
200 Lothrop Street, EEI 500 
Pittsburgh PA 15213 
Phone: (001) 412-647-8186
Fax: (001) 412-647-2080
E-mail: skullbasecourse@upmc.edu 

The UPMC/Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences reserves the right to cancel this program if sufficient registrations are not received. In the case of cancellation, the department will fully refund registration fees. However, other costs incurred by the registrant, such as airline or hotel penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant.

The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.

Contact Us

Mary Jo Tutchko, Conference Manager
UPMC Center for Cranial Base Surgery 
200 Lothrop Street, EEI 500
Pittsburgh PA 15213 
Phone: (001) 412-647-8186 
Fax: (001) 412-647-2080 
E-mail: skullbasecourse@upmc.edu