[Transphenoidal endoscopic approaches for pituitary adenomas: a critical review of our experience].
BACKGROUND
The surgical approach to the pituitary fossae has evolved from transcranial to sublabial and transseptal microscopic ones, up to the current transsphenoidal endoscopic approach.


OBJECTIVE
To present our experience in the transnasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas and the modifications introduced to improve tumoral resection and to lower iatrogenia.


METHODS
Over nine years, we operated on 37 patients with pituitary adenomas using the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. We utilised optical lens of 0° (approach) and 30° (adenoma resection), optic navigator, surgical instruments for nasal endoscopic and pituitary surgery. During the neurosurgical step, the endoscope was fixed by an articulated arm. We acceded to the pituitary fossae by a bilateral sphenoidotomy.


RESULTS
Sphenoid pneumatisation was sufficient in all the patients. The more common postoperative complications were diabetes insipidus and endocrinology deficiencies. Postoperative rhinoliquorrhea affected only one patient. No alterations of nasal fossae were observed. Mean patient hospitalisation was five days.


CONCLUSIONS
Transsphenoidal endoscopic approach guided by navigator gives significant advantages: Shorter operating time and fewer complications, greater safety and preservation of the nasal passages. Resecting the sphenoidal rostrum and a fragment of adjacent nasal septum improves surgical instrument management into the pituitary fossae and therefore adenoma resection. Endoscope fixation stabilises the vision and allows the second surgeon to help more effectively.
Sección de Rinología, Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital General Univesitario, Universitat de València, Valencia, España. miguel.armengot@gmail.com
Miguel
M
Armengot
José María
JM
Gallego
María José
MJ
Gómez
Juan Antonio
JA
Barcia
Jorge
J
Basterra
Carlos
C
Barcia
D000236:Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus