Minimally Invasive Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgery: Techniques, Outcomes, and Emerging Applications

The philosophy of minimally invasive neurosurgery has driven the development of tubular retractor systems, exoscopic visualization, port-based approaches, and endoscopic skull base techniques that minimize surgical morbidity while preserving efficacy. This chapter reviews recent outcomes data for endoscopic endonasal approaches to skull base pathology, keyhole craniotomy techniques, minimally invasive spine surgery, and robot-assisted neurosurgical procedures. The chapter addresses the learning curve, patient selection principles, and the current evidence base guiding adoption of these approaches.