The value of using multiple planar reconstruction technique to help selecting microsurgical approach for sellar tumors

Objective Using Multiple Planar Reconstruction (MPR) technique to display the important structures of sellar region and to help selecting the microsurgical opproach for sellar tumors. Method All patients took MRI scanning and made use of MPR technique to reconstruct the three-dimensional slies of neoplasmas and important anatomic structures around sellar region before operation. Using this technique to display the three-dimensional structures of optic nerves, optic chiasm, pituitary stalk and hypothalamusin and to map out a operation plan. Results MPR technique can clearly display II , III cranial nerves,optic chiasm, pituitary stalk and hypothalamusin in all 13 sellar region tumors. Mostly of the structures was pressed by tumors and shift from the original region. Total resection was performed in 8 pituitary adenomas,3 craniopharyngiomas and 2 meningiomas of tuberculum sellae. Conclusion MPR technique can display the whole three-dimensional anatomic structures of the sellar region and is helpful for selecting microsurgical approach to sellar region.