Microsurgical treatment of sellar region tumors via pterional approach

Objective To summarize the microsugical clinical curative effect of pterional approach treating for sellar region tumors.Methods 26 patients with sellar region tumors treated via pterional approach were retrospectively studied,17 of whom underwent total resection,9 with subtotal resection,and 3 with part resection.Results There was no operative mortality in this group.12 patients were complicated with transient diabetes insipidus after operation,and another one recurred after 5 years.Operation field of the sellar region tumors was fairly visible via pterional approach.The total-resection rate of tumor and patients' prognosis were remarkably improved.Conclusion Pterional approach can greatly improve visibilty of different type of sellar region tumor,and can increase the total-resection rate and curative rate of tumor.