A nationwide study to investigate current opinion amongst maxillo-facial and neurological surgeons with regard to access surgery for neurosurgical procedures

Over the past two decades there has been much interest in the use of craniofacial disassembly techniques to improve difficult access to some neurosurgical lesions, However, it is not known to what extent these techniques have been adopted throughout the UK. The aim of this study was to establish how many maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons are currently involved in this type of collaborative surgery and to determine current opinion regarding the use of these procedures. A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all consultant maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons within the UK. The results of the questionnaire suggest that there is a high level of interest in this type of collaborative surgery within the UK. It has demonstrated some interesting differences of emphasis regarding possible advantages and disadvantages of these procedures, and the areas to which access can be particularly improved. In addition, the future of this type of collaborative surgery and some of the difficulties involved in its organization were highlighted.