Abstract: Objective    To explore the anatomical structures locating at the middle area of skull base exposed by endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach, so as to provide reference for clinical resection of tumors in the middle area of skull base.     Methods    The brain tissues, blood vessels and nerves locating at the middle line area of skull base exposed by endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach were observed in five formalin fixed adult cadaveric heads.    Results   Through endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach, the anterior clinoid process and its medial dura of anterior skull base, olfactory groove and olfactory nerve can be clearly exposed in anterior skull base. Optic nerves, optic chiasm, preoptic chiasm space, superior hypophyseal artery, ophthalmic artery, internal carotid artery and its surrounding space can be exposed in sellar region. The dorsum sellar dura, mastoid body, terminal basilar artery, superior cerebellar artery, posterior cerebral artery, posterior communicating artery, oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, vestibular cochlear nerve and ventral pons can be exposed in upper clivus region.    Conclusions    It is feasible to resect tumors in the midline area of skull base using endoscopic supraorbital keyhole approach, and this approach is an effective supplement to conventional microscope approach and nasal endoscopic transnasal approach in the resection of tumors in midline area of skull base.  

Key words: Endoscopy,  ,  , Anatomy,  ,  , Surgery,  ,  , Tumor,  ,  , Supraorbital keyhole approach