Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary fossa technical note

A new technique combining transnasal endoscopy with the direct transnasal transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary fossa is described and preliminary results of its use on 8 patients presented. The advantages of this procedure are: it avoids many of the 'route of access' complications of other transsphenoidal approaches such as dental problems, nasal deformity and dysfunction; the brilliant illumination and manoeuvrability of the endoscope overcomes the visualisation problems associated with transnasal approaches and eliminates the need for releasing incisions at the base of the ala; there is less septal dissection and therefore less bleeding; and re-operation should be easier following this approach.