F6.01 transnasal endoscopic pituitary transsphenoidal surgery-preliminary report

The usual transsphenoidal approach to pituitary lesions has proven excellent surgical results with low morbidity. Endoscopie nasal sinus surgery has shown the same advantages. Some authors have combined these approaches via one1 or both- nostrils. We completed 10 conventional transnasal transsphenoidal procedures by the introduction of a 4 mm rigid Storz 0° and 30° endoscope, which provided a more advantageous panoramic view of the sphenoid sinus with the carotid sulci and of the sella with its contents, over the possibilities of the operating microscope. The pure endoscopie Jho-Carrau technique1 with minor modifications was then adopted. Pituitary endoscopie approach provides vision where the microscope cannot, is minimally invasive, reduces postoperative discomfort, lowers hospitalization times. Conversely, it affords poorer 3-D visibility, requires a certain skill and demands a dedicated instrumentation.