Endonasal transsphenoidal approach for microsurgical removal of pituitary adenomas

Objective: To evaluate the effect of removing pituitary adenomas by microsurgery technique via endonasal-transsphenoidal approach. Methods: A total of 44 patients suffering from pituitary adenomas accepted endonasal transsphenoidal surgery from December of 2002 to January of 2005.Results: Gross removal of tumors in 27 cases(61.4%) and subtotal removal in 13 cases(29.5%)(were)(achieved.) Partial removal was carried out in the remaining 4 cases(9.1%).No death was found postoperatively.A median of 14 moths' follow-up in 33 patients(75%) revealed that 23 cases(92%) with preoperative diminished acuity and visual field defects had got postoperative improvement,no change in 2 cases,and no aggravation could be found postoperatively.Conclusion: Mononostril-transsphenoidal operation for pituitary adenomas made maximal use of natural space of nasal cavity,which has many advantages,such as direct approach,short operative time,minimal invasion,and less postoperative complications.It is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.