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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
[Resection of extensive pituitary adenoma via supraorbital keyhole with endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery]
Yuqing Yuan1, Chao You, Bowen Cai
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Sichuan, 610041, PR China. holder6619@sina.com
Objective:
To study the methods and techniques of the treatment for extensive suprasellar pituitary adenoma and repairing hole.
Methods:
From Feb. 2001 to Mar. 2003, 9 patients with extensive suprasellar pituitary adenoma underwent resection via supraorbital keyhole with endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery. Then the remaining tumor was removed with neuro-endoscopy via I and II space of optic chiasma. The small bone flap was fixed with Ti clamp.
Results:
After the tumor was removed with microneurosurgery, the remaining tumor was still found with endoscope in 7 cases. Remaining tumor was totally removed in 6 cases, almost removed in 3 cases. The vision improvement was found in 7 cases one week after surgery. In the other 2 cases, the vision remained unchanged. Follow-up was conducted in 6 cases for 6 to 22 months. Neuroradiological recovery of MRI with no recurrence of tumor was observed. No complication of incision was present.
Conclusion:
Enough intra and extra-cranial space can be provided to operate via orbital roof approach to sellar tumors. Endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery can increase the total-resection and successful rate treatment for extensive suprasellar pituitary adenoma, reduce the possibility of complication, and protect the function of brain from being injured. Fixation of small bone flap with Ti clamp is safe, easy and reliable.
