Skull Base 360°: An International Program Kicks Off at IRCAD

Skull Base 360°: An International Program Kicks Off at IRCAD

Today marks the start of the international program “Skull Base 360-Degree – The Full Spectrum Micro-Endo-Radiosurgery” at IRCAD, a 5-day intensive course entirely dedicated to the surgical and radiosurgical management of skull base lesions.

Directed by Prof. Sébastien Froelich, this course brings together leading international experts and is designed for neurosurgeons, ENT specialists, fellows, and residents seeking to deepen their expertise in modern skull base approaches.

Comprehensive Training: Microsurgery, Endoscopy, and Radiosurgery

The program is designed to provide a 360° overview of therapeutic strategies for the skull base, combining:

• radiosurgery,
• microsurgical approaches,
• endoscopic and endoscopic endonasal techniques,
• combined approaches.

Participants benefit from didactic lectures and surgical video demonstrations displayed on a 3D screen, offering an immersive experience in operative techniques.

Over 27 Hours of Hands-On Cadaveric Practice

A key strength of the program is its focus on practical training:

• more than 27 hours of cadaver dissection,
• sessions covering a wide range of surgical approaches:

• transcranial “keyhole” approaches,
• endoscopic approaches,
• assisted endoscopic endonasal approaches,
• combined techniques.

Each session is supervised by internationally recognized experts, ensuring safe technical progression and enhanced anatomical understanding.

Key Clinical Topics in Skull Base Surgery

Lectures and case discussions cover complex and diverse pathologies, including:

• acoustic neuroma,
• microvascular decompression,
• radiosurgery for skull base lesions,
• pediatric skull base neurosurgery,
• brainstem cavernomas,
• chordomas,
• revascularization and reconstruction techniques.

The program emphasizes therapeutic indications, surgical strategies, and multidisciplinary decision-making.

A Day Focused on the Latest Radiation Therapy Technologies

The course also includes a full day dedicated to skull base radiotherapy, with a focus on:

• modern radiosurgery techniques,
• proton therapy,
• carbon ion therapy.

Practical sessions in radiosurgical planning allow participants to gain hands-on experience with these advanced technologies.

Educational Objectives of the Program

Skull Base Surgery Session (4 days)

• understand the complex anatomy of the skull base,
• master different surgical approaches and their technical steps,
• discuss indications and surgical strategies,
• enhance technical skills through dissection,
• gain familiarity with endoscopic endonasal approaches,
• promote clinical exchanges between experts and participants.

Radiotherapy Session (1 day)

• understand new irradiation technologies,
• define indications for radiotherapy,
• develop tailored therapeutic strategies,
• practice radiosurgical planning.

Interactive and International Pedagogy

Educational methods include:

• interactive exchanges between faculty and participants,
• hands-on training on anatomical specimens,
• free access to educational video resources via WebSurg, IRCAD’s online university.

Excellence in Training at the Heart of Surgical Innovation

This program reflects IRCAD’s and Prof. Sébastien Froelich’s commitment to high-level international training, integrating technological innovation, anatomical rigor, and clinical excellence in the service of skull base surgery.

The program on the IRCAD website
The Brochure