Removal of Pituitary Adenomas by Surgery through Endoscope-Assisted Endosnasal Transsphenoidal Approach and Study of Microanatomy Related to This Approach to sellar Region

Objective To study of the microanatomy related to the endoscope-assisted endosnasal transphenoidal approach to sellar and to summarize region experiences in removing the pituitary adenomas by surgery through the approach. Methods The endoscope-assisted endosnasal transsphenoidal approach to sellar region was imitated in 10 adult cadaver heads and the microanatomy related to the approach were observed by endoscopy and microscope. The pituitary adenomas were removed by the surgery through the approach in 16 patients with pituitary adenomas. Results The structures in the sphenoid sinus and sellar regions were clearly exposed by endoscope-assisted endosnasal transsphenoidal approach. The regions which were not observed by an operating microscope could be shown by the endoscope. Of 16 cases of pituitary anatomic, 13 were totally removed and 3 subtotally. There was no severe operative complication in all the patients. The curative effect was good. Conclusions The merits of the surgery through endoscope-assisted endosnasal transsphenoidal approach include good exposure of the structures in the sellar region, high rate of to totally removing the tumor in the sellar region, less injury due to the operation and making the patients quickly recover. This approach is good one by which the pituitary adenomas were removed.