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Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Combined simultaneous endoscopic endonasal and microscopic transventricular surgery using a port retractor system for
Erika Yamada1, Hiroyoshi Akutsu1, Hiroyoshi Kino1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Background:
We report a case of a giant pituitary adenoma with marked extension into the third ventricle that was successfully removed using combined simultaneous endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and microscopic transventricular port surgery.
Case Description:
A 47-year-old woman, who complained of memory disturbance, had a giant pituitary adenoma with marked extension into the third ventricle that was causing obstructive hydrocephalus. She underwent combined EES and microscopic transventricular surgery using a port retractor system. Most of the tumor was resected from the EES side with assistance from the transcranial side with minimum cortical trajectory damage. The tumor was completely excised without any complications.
Conclusion:
For giant pituitary adenoma with marked extension into the third ventricle, combined simultaneous EES and transventricular surgery using a port retractor system is effective to maximize the extent of tumor resection while also preventing complications. Using port surgery on the transcranial side, microscopic secure dissection is possible with minimum additional cortical damage.

