Endoscopic image-guided transethmoid pituitary surgery.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2002

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new endoscopic transethmoid approach for pituitary surgery and to compare it with other surgical techniques.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Eleven patients undergoing pituitary surgery from September 2000 through January 2002 underwent an image-guided endoscopic transethmoid procedure to remove pituitary tumors. Ease of approach, resection, exposure of the surgical field, and operative complications were documented.

RESULTS: Endoscopic ethmoidectomy permits enhanced exposure and simplified tumor resection. The use of one nostril to stabilize the endoscope and the other to pass instruments affords a bimanual procedure that avoids the difficulty of small nares and keeping the scope fixed while exchanging instruments. Operative morbidity was low with no significant complications in this pilot study.

CONCLUSIONS: This approach opens a generous operative exposure while safely allowing room to endoscopically maneuver and affords direct access should revision surgery be needed.

SIGNIFICANCE: This procedure uses a technique familiar to otolaryngologists and may be used for pituitary and other skull base tumors.

Volume

127

Issue

5

First Page

409

Last Page

416

ISSN

0194-5998

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

12447234

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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