[Rhinological aspects in transseptal pituitary surgery (author's transl)]

Ozaena used to be the most common rhinological complication following transnasal pituitary surgery. The development of subtle microsurgical techniques has significantly reduced this risk, and the transrhinoseptal approach to the pituitary fossa has become the method of choice. The surgical technique is described. 20 patients were followed up over a period of 2 to 28 months following removal of pituitary tumor. 18 patients showed normal nasal mucosa. In 2 cases there are circumscribed lesions to the nasal mucosa which might ultimately give rise to ozaena.