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
2025 Course Dates:
June 2-4, 2025
September 17-20, 2025 (Guest Faculty: Dr. Nelson Oyesiku and Dr. Brian Thorp)
November 5-8, 2025 (Guest Faculty: Dr. Siviero Agazzi and Dr. Arjun Parasher)
If you are interested in registering for one of the above courses, please download, complete and return the course request form as soon as possible as space is limited at each course. Please note, because the technique of endoscopic endonasal surgery is performed by two surgeons (four hands), teams are given priority.
If we can accommodate you at the course of your choosing, 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.
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 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.
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:
Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center (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 2024 courses had to say:
- “I found this to be an outstanding course. Highly relevant material, well-structured program, knowledgeable and approachable faculty, brilliantly organized – thank you!”
- “Great course. Great didactics. Great lab sessions. The faculty were excellent at teaching, they really know their stuff. Faculty were also very approachable.”
- “Incredible course.”
- “The course was very good, intense and advanced.”
- “Excellent and very productive 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