Full Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma-emphasized on Surgical Skill of Otolaryngologist

Clinical Report
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Abstract

The purpose is to summarize the experience in full endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma in 28 patients by rhinologist, and introduce the surgical skill of otolaryngologist, especially skills and cautions when operating inside nose. We removed pituitary adenoma in 28 patients via entirely endoscopic transsphenoidal approach with the help of special-designed instruments; we performed the procedure bloodlessly within limited time. The skill emphasized bilateral nostrils and four hands technique which was as delicate as possible not to scratch nasal mucosa or injure nasal frame. The special instruments included curette with suction, monopolar electrotome and bipolar coagulation forceps with suction, powered surgical equipments (Diamond Bur, Irrigation Tubing for Blades and Burs for nasal endoscopic surgery). Among 28 patients, there were 16 total resections, 8 subtotal resections, 3 partial resections, and 1 only biopsy due to excessive bleeding and hard nature. Of 19 patients with preoperative visual impairment, 12 patients had postoperative improvement in visual acuity and visual field. All the procedures were finished within 60 to 90 min. Complications seldom occurred except transient diabetes insipidus, especially no nasal-related signs or complications but 1 had epistaxis. The full endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a promising approach for pituitary adenoma resection. Multidisciplinary collaboration will lead to optimal cure for the patients. New technique and special-designed instruments can facilitate greatly this procedure.

Keywords

Nasal endoscopy Pituitary adenoma Complication Surgical skill 
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Notes

Conflict of Interest

All authors have no competing interest to declare.

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Copyright information

© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Otolaryngology and Skull Base SurgeryThe fifth affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
  2. 2.Department of NeurosurgeryThe fifth affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
  3. 3.Otorhinolaryngology hospital of the first affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina

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