Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Three-dimensional endoscopy in transnasal transsphenoidal approach to clival chordomas
Massimiliano Garzaro1, Francesco Zenga2, Luca Raimondo1
1Department of Surgical Sciences, First Ear, Nose, and Throat Division, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Background:
The purpose of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the management of skull base chordomas surgically resected via a 3D-endoscopic transnasal approach.
Methods:
Thirteen consecutive patients were observed and only 9 were surgically treated using a 3D-endoscopic transnasal approach assisted by a novel 3D visualization system.
Results:
Nine consecutive male patients (mean age, 57.4 years) underwent exclusive 3D-endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal resection of clival chordomas; gross total resection was achieved in 66.6% of cases (6 of 9 patients), near-total resection in 11.2% (1 of 9 patients), and partial resection in 22.2% (2 of 9 patients). The complications observed were 2 cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and 1 case of temporary VI cranial nerve palsy.
Conclusion:
No discomfort was recorded; when a dura opening was required, 3D vision allowed an accurate intradural sharp dissection and a precise repair of the skull base. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1814-E1819, 2016.
