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Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2002; 45(4): 193-200
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36197
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach: Outcome Analysis of 100 Consecutive Procedures

P.  Cappabianca1 , L.  M.  Cavallo1 , A.  Colao2 , M.  Del Basso De Caro3 , F.  Esposito1 , S.  Cirillo4 , G.  Lombardi2 , E.  de Divitiis1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
  • 2Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
  • 3Department of Pathology, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
  • 4Department of Neuroradiology, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
We wish to express our deep and sincere gratitude to Edward R. Laws Jr. for his kind revision of the manuscript.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 December 2002 (online)

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Abstract

The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach has been proposed in the past decade as a minimally invasive surgical technique for the removal of pituitary tumors. From January 1997 to November 1999, 100 consecutive patients with pituitary tumors underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery, according to Jho's technique. We employed 0°, 30°, 45°, and 70° rigid endoscopes, 18 - 30 cm in length, 4 mm in diameter with an outer sleeve for irrigation and secured to a holder. Among the 87 pituitary adenomas, tumor removal was total in 51, subtotal (> 80 %) in 20 and partial in 16 cases. Four craniopharyngiomas were totally removed and an intra-suprasellar arachnoid cyst was emptied; a biopsy was performed in the two patients with a clivus chordoma. The two cases of sphenoid sinusitis were cured by surgery, the three patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea were successfully treated and the residual nasal meningocele was removed. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach appeared to be less traumatic than the traditional microsurgical approach, was very effective, and was characterized by a reduced number of complications. However, the relatively small series together with the short follow-up do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions. The post-operative reduction in hospital stay (two days in 40 of 100), significantly reduced the cost of patient's management.

Key words

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery - Pituitary Adenoma - Transsphenoidal Surgery - Endoscopy

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P. Cappabianca,M.D. 

Department of Neurosurgery · “Federico II” University

Via Pansini 5

80131 Naples

Italy

Phone: +39-081-7462583

Fax: +39-081-7462497; +39-081-5987821

Email: cappabia@unina.it