[Unilateral endonasal approach to hypophyseal adenomas]

The endonasal approach for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is a simple technique for exposing the floor of the sella turcica. In our institution we have operated 162 patients (64 microadenomas and 98 macroadenomas), over a ten-year period, by using that approach. The floor of the sella turcica is exposed through an incision performed posteriorly to the nostril at the junction of cartilaginous and bony septum. Postoperative rhinological complications are less frequently observed after unilateral endonasal approach than after sublabial one, and it is more comfortable for the patient. The morbidity of unilateral endonasal transsphenoidal approach is comparable to that of other series.