Endoscopic expand transnasal approach to the suprasellar region: anatomical study and clinical considerations.
BACKGROUND
The expanded endonasal approach (EEA) is used sparingly by surgeons for resection of lesions in the ventrocranial base. Herein, we examined the anatomy of the ventrocranial base by endoscopy and comment on the use of EEA in clinical practice.


METHODS
Twenty artery-injected adult cadaveric heads were studied under surgical conditions using the endoscopic EEA. The extent of the surgical exposure, the endoscopic anatomic view and the maneuverability of surgical instruments about the suprasellar region were studied by the endoscopic EEA.


RESULTS
The EEA by endoscope can reach the suprasellar region. In this approach, the optocarotid recess, supra and infra-optic chiasm interspace, the ophthalmic artery and others were important anatomical landmarks for identification of the suprasellar region.


CONCLUSIONS
The endoscopic EEA can be used to remove many types of lesions in the ventrocranial base. The microanatomy observed using the endoscope provides important anatomical information on the suprasellar region for neurosurgeons.
Lu
Xiao-jie
XJ
Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi 2nd People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, China.
Chen
Kai-lai
KL
Wang
Qin
Q
Ji
Wei-yang
WY
Li
Bing
B
Sun
Ji-yong
JY
Li
Jiang-an
JA
D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*