What is TONES?
TONES, or Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses endoscopic tools to access the skull base and brain through the natural openings of the orbit (eye socket). This approach is part of the broader category of transorbital neuroendoscopic approaches.
To schedule an appointment at The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, please call the Patient Care Coordination Center at 314-747-7222 or 800-600-3606.
What conditions can TONES treat?
- Tumor Removal: Effective in removing tumors located at the skull base, including benign and malignant growths.
- Brain metastases and gliomas of the frontal and temporal lobes
- Vascular Lesions: Used to treat aneurysms and other vascular abnormalities.
- Traumatic Injuries: Helps in repairing fractures and other injuries involving the orbital and skull base regions.
- Congenital and Developmental Abnormalities: Useful in correcting defects present from birth.
What distinguishes TONES from other surgical approaches?
- Minimally Invasive: Utilizes small incisions and natural anatomical corridors to reach the surgical site, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Endoscopic Tools: Employs endoscopes—thin, flexible tubes with a camera and light source at the end—that provide high-definition images of the surgical area.
- Access: Allows surgeons to reach areas of the anterior and middle cranial fossae, as well as regions within the orbit and nasal cavity.
What are the benefits to the patient?
- Reduced Trauma: Causes less disruption to surrounding tissues compared to more invasive surgical methods. This includes less trauma to the surrounding brain that would otherwise need to be retracted or removed to reach deep seated lesions.
- Shorter Recovery Times: Patients often experience faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
- Fewer Complications: Lower risk of infection and other complications due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.