Enamasac transsphenoidal surgery: Microsurgical transmeatal approach.

INTRODUCTION: For the past several decades, transsphenoidal surgery has been the standard approach to lesions in the sella. The most common is the sublabial or transnasal transseptal approach. Lately, endoscopic technique has been gaining popularity and acceptance. We are presenting a new microsurgical approach to the sella using the route used by endoscopic surgeons
OBJECTIVE: To describe a new microsurgical approach to the sella through an endonasal approach using the operating microscope and standard transsphenoidal instruments. The aim of the study is to determine the feasibility of such an approach to pituitary tumors
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study on 15 patients who underwent microsurgical endonasal transmeatal excision of pituitary adenomas will be described
RESULTS: Fifteen patients with pituitary macroadenoma underwent this new approach. Seventy five percent had gross total excision. There were no serious complications and all patients were discharge on the second post-op day
CONCLUSION: The results showed that the microsurgical endonasal approach is a good alternative to endoscopic techniques in pituitary macroadenoma. We feel that this technique will be more acceptable to a vast majority of neurosurgeons. The technique was found to be easy, timesaving, shortens hospital stay and without septal or sublabial complications. This approach has become our preferred approach to sella. (Author)