ENDOSCOPIC SPHENOIDOTOMY APPROACH TO THE SELLA

OBJECTIVE: Advances in optics, miniaturization, and endoscopic instrum entation have revolutionized surgery in the past decade. We report our experience with the endoscope in nine patients with sellar lesions wh o underwent an endoscopic sphenoidotomy approach to the sella, METHODS : An endoscopic transnasal cavity sphenoidotomy approach without a sep tal dissection was used in the resection of pituitary adenomas and oth er sellar lesions, RESULTS: This approach provided excellent exposure of the sella and adequate working space. The technique produces less p ostoperative pain and, in some cases, shortens hospital stay. The sphe noidotomy approach eliminates the problems of lip numbness, septal per forations, and oronasal fistulas. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic sphenoido tomy approach has become our preferred approach to sellar lesions.