A modified speculum for transsphenoidal surgery: technical note

This technical note presents the advantages of a modified nasal speculum for the translabial-endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the sphenoid sinus and sella for surgery on lesions of the pituitary. The width of the upper lateral wings of the speculum was reduced by half over approximately three fourths of their length. This increases interior clearance and makes it easier to introduce the instruments used during transsphenoidal operations. We performed 50 transsphenoidal procedures for pituitary adenomas using the remodeled speculum. Three experienced surgeons evaluated the visual field and instrument passage through it, and they found it superior to the conventional design. The modification resulted in marked reduction of the overall operation duration. In conclusion, the more open translabial-transnasal speculum described here definitely facilitates the transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary.