A Simplified Direct Endonasal Approach for Transsphenoidal Surgery

Abstract

Having the experience of more than 4000 hypophysectomy operations (150 cases per year on the average) by the senior author, initially performed via an intracranial, then a transseptal approach, now a direct endonasal approach, as a minimal invasive technique, is introduced to reduce the complications and for better comfort of the patient. It is the least traumatic route to the sella turcica, it avoids brain retraction, and it provides excellent visualization of the pituitary gland and lesions related to that structure. The brilliant increased vision of the surgical target offered by the endoscope can enable a more effective removal of the lesion, followed by superior clinical results and a reduction in the incidence of complications.