OBJECTIVE To explore the methods and experience of thesingle-nostril transsphenoidal approach for treating pituitaryadenomas.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients whohad pituitary tumors and received surgery...OBJECTIVE To explore the methods and experience of thesingle-nostril transsphenoidal approach for treating pituitaryadenomas.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients whohad pituitary tumors and received surgery via the singlenostriltranssphenoidal approach and observed the effects andcomplications of surgery. The specific surgical methods are: a nasalspeculum is inserted slowly through the right nostril towards theanterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. A 1.5 cm incision is made intothe nasal mucosa in the right nasal cavity at the level of the middlenasal turbinate. By fracturing the bony septum, a space is formedbetween the bilateral nasal mucosa and the bony septum of thesphenoid sinus. Then, the inside of the sphenoid sinus is exposed.The remaining part of the bony septum, the anterior sphenoidsinus wall, and the sphenoid mucosa are gradually removed. Theanterior sphenoidotomy is less than 1.5 cm wide. After confirmingthe tumor by dural puncture, a cross incision of the dura is made,and the tumor is slowly removed by curette. The sella is usuallycollapsed and visible after the total tumor removal. When thetumor is resected satisfactorily, gelatin sponges are placed into theoperative cavity to stop bleeding.RESULTS Postoperative MRI scans revealed that among the 46cases, total resection of the tumor was achieved in 34 cases andsubtotal in 12. No deaths or disability occurred, and the hormonelevels of almost all patients improved. Signs of diabetes insipidusoccurred in 17, electrolyte disturbances in 5, and there were noreports of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.CONCLUSION The direct single nostril transsphenoidalapproach of continuous improvement has the advantages ofa convenient approach, simplified operation, safety and highefficiency.展开更多
文摘OBJECTIVE To explore the methods and experience of thesingle-nostril transsphenoidal approach for treating pituitaryadenomas.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients whohad pituitary tumors and received surgery via the singlenostriltranssphenoidal approach and observed the effects andcomplications of surgery. The specific surgical methods are: a nasalspeculum is inserted slowly through the right nostril towards theanterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. A 1.5 cm incision is made intothe nasal mucosa in the right nasal cavity at the level of the middlenasal turbinate. By fracturing the bony septum, a space is formedbetween the bilateral nasal mucosa and the bony septum of thesphenoid sinus. Then, the inside of the sphenoid sinus is exposed.The remaining part of the bony septum, the anterior sphenoidsinus wall, and the sphenoid mucosa are gradually removed. Theanterior sphenoidotomy is less than 1.5 cm wide. After confirmingthe tumor by dural puncture, a cross incision of the dura is made,and the tumor is slowly removed by curette. The sella is usuallycollapsed and visible after the total tumor removal. When thetumor is resected satisfactorily, gelatin sponges are placed into theoperative cavity to stop bleeding.RESULTS Postoperative MRI scans revealed that among the 46cases, total resection of the tumor was achieved in 34 cases andsubtotal in 12. No deaths or disability occurred, and the hormonelevels of almost all patients improved. Signs of diabetes insipidusoccurred in 17, electrolyte disturbances in 5, and there were noreports of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.CONCLUSION The direct single nostril transsphenoidalapproach of continuous improvement has the advantages ofa convenient approach, simplified operation, safety and highefficiency.