ENDOSCOPIC TRANSSPHENOIDAL APPROACH TO THE PITUITARY FOSSA TECHNICAL NOTE

A new technique combining transnasal endoscopy with the direct transna sal transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary fossa is described and p reliminary results of its use on 8 patients presented. The advantages of this procedure are: it avoids many of the 'route of access' complic ations of other transsphenoidal approaches such as dental problems, na sal deformity and dysfunction; the brilliant illumination and manoeuvr ability of the endoscope overcomes the visualisation problems associat ed with transnasal approaches and eliminates the need for releasing in cisions at the base of the ala; there is less septal dissection and th erefore less bleeding; and re-operation should be easier following thi s approach. (C) Pearson Professional 1996