title: The sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach to sellar and parasellar lesions.
abstract: Multiple surgical approaches to the sella turcica have been described. The sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach provides a safe, cosmetically acceptable route to the sella with excellent exposure. Since 1976, we have employed this technique for the surgical treatment of pituitary neoplasms and parasellar tumors. The University of Washington experience with the sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach to the sella in a series of 253 patients is reported with respect to the otolaryngological aspects of the surgical technique, results, and complications of the procedure. In addition, a literature review of major studies that used this procedure is included, and the reported results and complications are compared to those of the present study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Eisele
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Flint
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Janas
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Weymuller
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Cummings
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000601:surgery; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000601:surgery*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000601:surgery