A Case Report on Surgical Excision of Clivus Chordoma with the Use of Coblator

This case report evaluates the surgical extension of clivus chordoma with the use pf coblator.
Chordomas are dysembryogenic tumors originating from the notochordal process. They are
aggressive tumours with unique diagnostic and management challenges. These tumors are difficult to
manage because of their critical location and propensity to recur; they have been treated in the past
years with combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Primary therapy is complete surgical removal of
the tumour as much as possible. The likelihood of recurrence is high in spite of complete surgical
resection. A 52-year-old female patient presented with complaints of decreased vision in right eye,
nasal bleeding, nasal blockage and difficulties in swallowing. CT scan and nasal biopsy were
performed which confirmed the diagnosis of clivus chordoma. The CT scan showed extension into
nasopharynx, nasal cavity and oropharynx pushing onto the soft palate. Surgical excision of the mass
was performed with coblator by both intraoral and intra nasal approach. On followup, nasal endoscopy
and CT were done; the patient was relieved of the symptoms and was clinically better. The study also
concludes that this minimally invasive procedure should be considered as an alternative to traditional
surgical treatment.