Complex Endoscopic Endonasal Course

This three-day course is intended for experienced skull base teams who are looking to build high level endoscopic endonasal skills and bring their surgical practice to the next level. Course highlights include 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. 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.

The course typically fills quickly and early registration is suggested to obtain a spot.

Course Directors

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

Course Dates

Our next Complex Course will be held in 2026. Please check back in November 2025 for the course dates.

Course Schedule

Day 1: Suprasellar and Retrochiasmatic Pathology; Anterior Cranial Fossa; Skull Base Reconstruction

Day 2: Clivus and Petrous Apex; Coronal Plane (transpterygoid, infratemporal fossa); Management and Prevention of Complications; Internal Carotid Artery Injury Simulation Exercise

Day 3: Cavernous Sinus and Middle Cranial Fossa; Regional Reconstructive Techniques; 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.
Understand options for regional 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.

If you are interested in registering for this course, please download, complete and return the course request form as soon as possible as space is limited. If we can accommodate you, you will receive an invitation and registration form by email. The registration form will then need to be completed and returned together with payment in full within 30 days. Please do not book any travel arrangements until you have received confirmation of your registration.

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:

Courtyard by Marriott (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
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 last course had to say:

“The course better prepared us to tailor each patient’s treatment mode/surgical approach.”
“We are more prepared now for improved management of intraoperative complications and postoperative management of patients.”
“Live case demonstrations were key to reinforce the classroom work. Dissection time was more than adequate to become familiar with the anatomical dissections/approaches.”

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.