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

Chordomas are dysembryogenic tumors originating from the notochordal process [1] [2]. They are aggressive tumours with unique diagnostic and management challenges. 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 [3]. On follow-up, nasal endoscopy and CT were done; the patient was relieved of the symptoms and was clinically better.