Instruments for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

TECHNIQUE: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. New, developing, minimally i nvasive technique. Removal of pituitary lesions and tumors of the parasella r region. TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Endona sal, not transnasal, procedure. Great respect of anatomy. Very wide surgica l field, without intraoperative use of a nasal speculum, but with less room in which to work (only one nostril) and potential conflict between the sur geon's hands and the endoscope (both when entering the nostril and while wo rking inside). INSTRUMENTATION: New instrument. Secure grip. Barycenter of the instrument is the surgeon's hands. Many different tips with different functions. Elimi nation of the bayonet-like shape. Handle bent in the horizontal plane to av oid interference with the surgeon's hands and to allow the distal, thin par t of the instrument to be used safely and comfortably.