A group of skull base neurosurgeons have petitioned the AANS/CNS Joint Officers for the formation of a Joint Section on Skull Base Surgery. The proposal was brought forward at the January 1998 Joint Officers Meeting, and will be on the agenda again at the April 25th Joint Officer’s Meeting in Philadelphia.
“There is a continuum of neurological surgeons entering practice with an interest in skull base surgery and a need for continuing education, professional development and a solid resource base,” said Ossama Al-Mefty, MD, who presented the proposal to the Joint Officers on behalf of the 25 neurosurgeons who signed the petition requesting formation of the new Section.
In his presentation, Dr. Al-Mefty noted that a survey of neurosurgical residency program directors had been conducted to determine the level of importance placed on skull base surgery in training programs. Over 97 percent of residency program directors stated they have faculty with skull base surgery dedicated as their area of interest and have resident training in skull base surgery. There have also been 29 new CPT codes established relating directly to skull base surgery.
Several national, regional and international skull base societies consisting of physicians from neurological surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, radiology, pathology, radiation oncology and oncology have been formed recently. The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery established a Standing Committee for Skull Base Surgery in 1995. Currently, several AANS/CNS Joint Sections, including tumor, cerebrovascular and trauma, address skull base surgery issues.
According to the proposal, the formation of a Joint Skull Base Section would:
- Support, coordinate and enhance efforts to generate and disseminate scientific information useful to neurosurgeons caring for patients with diseases of the skull base.
- Promote advancement in skull base surgery by sponsoring and promoting clinical and basic research related to the disease of the skull base.
- Promote the mutual fellowship and cooperation among various scientific disciplines that deal with diseases on the skull base.
- Promote the public welfare through advancement of skull base surgery and related sciences.
If you have questions about this proposed Joint Section, please call Dr. Al-Mefty at the University of Arkansas, (501) 686-8757.