Comprehensive Endoscopic Endonasal Course

This four-day course teaches the surgical techniques and anatomy for endoscopic endonasal surgery of the ventral skull base. Experts on the subject will present the anatomical indications and technical aspects of this procedure along with the risks, benefits, and outcomes.

The course features an interactive live surgery demonstration using indocyanine green fluorescence endoscopy, fresh anatomical specimen dissection, lectures and panel discussions, 3D anatomy lectures, and case presentations. Participants will have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills regarding endoscopic surgery of the ventral skull base.

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 A. Zenonos, MD
Garret W. Choby, MD

Future Course Dates

2024 Course Dates:

2024 course dates will be announced in January of 2024.

Space is limited at each course and because the technique of endoscopic endonasal surgery is performed by two surgeons (four hands), teams are given first priority. If we can accommodate you at the course of your choosing, you will receive an invitation and registration form via email. The registration form will then need to be completed and returned together with payment in full within 30 days. Please do not make any travel arrangements until you have received confirmation of your registration

Course Schedule

Day 1: Lectures: Principles, Anatomy, Levels I & II (Sinuses, Pituitary, CSF Leaks); 3D Anatomy Presentations; Anatomical Specimen Prosection/Hands-On Dissection

Day 2: Live Surgery Demonstration; Lectures: Endonasal Modules, Level III (Extradural Cranial Base, Sagittal Plane); 3D Anatomy Presentations; Anatomical Specimen Prosection/Hands-On Dissection

Day 3: Lectures: Levels IV & V (Intradural Cranial Base, Coronal Plane); 3D Anatomy Presentations; Anatomical Specimen Prosection/Hands-On Dissection

Day 4: Lectures: Complications & Outcomes; Case Discussions; 3D Anatomy Presentations; Anatomical Specimen Hands-On Dissection; ICA Injury Simulation Exercise

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for skull base teams (neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons) and senior level residents who wish to learn and practice the technical skills needed to perform comprehensive endoscopic endonasal surgery of the ventral skull base.

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). 

Course Objectives

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

  • Describe the anatomic relationships between the ventral skull base, paranasal sinuses and orbit.
  • Understand the indications, benefits and risks associated with endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.
  • Utilize endoscopic techniques to approach tumors in the anterior, middle and cranial fossae.

Registration Fees

Full Course/Hands-On Registration:
(Includes anatomical dissection, lectures, course materials and all course-related meals/social events)

$2,000 Single* Resident/Fellow
$3,000 Single* Practicing Physician

$3,000 Residents/Fellow Team**
$5,000 Practicing Physicians Team** 

* Single Registration = 1 Specimen x 1 Registrant
** Team Registration = 1 Specimen x 2 Registrants

Please note that since the technique of endoscopic endonasal surgery is performed by 2 surgeons (4 hands), teams are given priority. 

Lectures Only Registration (no anatomical dissection):
(Includes lectures, course materials, and all course-related meals/social events.)

$1,000 Practicing Physician 
$500 Resident/Fellow

Course Location and Hotel Accommodations

UPMC Eye & Ear Institute Building/Biomedical Science Tower
203 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh (Oakland), PA 15213

Hotels within walking distance of campus:

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

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place (December Course Hotel)
3454 Forbes Avenue 
Pittsburgh PA 15213 
Phone: 412-683-2040
Distance from campus 0.3 miles; travel time on foot 5 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 2022 courses had to say:

  • “3D anatomy was helpful as part of the course itself.”
  • “Excellent course, really enjoyed it.”
  • “It was awesome!”
  • “Enjoyed the live broadcast.”
  • “Great experience.”
  • “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 
203 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 due to occurrences beyond their control, i.e., pandemic restrictions. In the case of cancellation, registration fees will be fully refunded. However, any 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 
Email: skullbasecourse@upmc.edu