Surgical Extent of Transsphenoidal Approach: A Microsurgical Anatomy

ABSTRACT

To improve the surgical results of the removal of the pituitary tumors extending beyond the limit of the sella turcica, several modified transsphenoidal approachs have been proposed by many surgeons. A microanatomy of the sphenoid sinus, sellar, suprasellar and parasellar regions were studied in 50 formalin-fixed human cadaveric heads. Among them, microanatomical cadaveric dissections were performed in 5 specimens which were injected with colored silicone rubber. We aim to present a detailed microsurgical anatomy of structures surrounding the sella turcica. And also, the requisite microanatomical details necessary to extend the TSA to the medial compartment of the cavernous sinus and the supradiaphragmatic intradural space.