Abstract
The technique of endoscopic endonasal sinus surgery can be applied to various diseases. Transnasal endoscopic surgery of pituitary adenoma has also been reported. In this article, the endoscopic technique that we have experienced in three cases of pituitary adenoma is described.
The technique approaching through the ethmoidal sinus and the sphenoidal sinus with an endoscope was simple and rapid. An endoscope connected with a CCD camera was held by an assistant. It enabled the surgeon to use his both hands for removing the pituitary tumor while watching the operative site on the TV monitor. The endoscope provided a wide surgical view. The entire view inside the sphenoidal sinus and the sella turcica was gained. Using an endoscope, the observation and the treatment after operation were also easy. No cosmetic or functional damage to the nose was observed.
Although further development of the technique is needed, it seems that the use of an endoscope can provide good results with minimal operative stress to the patient.
