Extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal removal of tuberculum sellae meningiomas: a preliminary report

In this present study, we reviewed our management of seven patients by an extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to resect tuberculum sellae meningiomas. All surgery was performed using pure endoscopy and a neuronavigation system. In six patients, total resection of the tumor was accomplished; one patient had subtotal tumor removal. Post-operatively, visual function was improved in six patients, and was unchanged in one patient. There was asymptomatic tumor recurrence on MRI during the follow-up period in the patient in whom a subtotal resection had been performed. This preliminary report suggests that an extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is an effective, minimally invasive approach for small and medium-sized tuberculum sellae meningiomas located in the midline. However, this approach should be limited to an experienced and coordinated endoneurosurgical team.