Less-invasive sublabial unilateral transseptal approach for transsphenoidal surgery

A less-invasive sublabial approach was developed to overcome the disadvantages associated with the conventional sublabial approach. The basic differences between this modified sublabial approach and the conventional approach are: a smaller incision (1-1.5 cm long) and almost midline vertical skin incision underneath the upper lip; minimal development of an inferior tunnel; no widening of the maxillary rim of the piriform aperture; and a strictly unilateral approach. This less-invasive approach uses a slim and small nasal speculum originally designed for the transnasal approach. This modified sublabial approach was applied to 41 of 133 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery between August 1998 and the end of 2000. These cases confirmed that this approach is a simple, rapid, and less-invasive technique with significantly fewer mucosal complications compared to the conventional approach. We conclude that this modified sublabial approach offers a good alternative to the conventional standard sublabial approach.