Transnasal operations on the sphenoidal sinus and the middle fossa under nasal endoscope combined with microscope / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the surgical method of transnasal operations on the sphenoidal sinus and the middle fossa under nasal endoscope combined with microscope. Methods The operation was performed under nasal endoscope on the side of larger nasal cavity. The middle nasal turbinate was pushed outwards. Then the Handy's expander was inserted between the middle nasal turbinate and the nasal septum in order to get a wide visualization. The sphenoidal frontal wall was opened directly. The nasal endoscope and microscope were utilized in turn to complete the resection of lesions. Results The symptoms disappeared postoperatively in 10 cases of solitary sphenoidal sinusitis. The lesions of 6 cases of sphenoidal cyst and meningioma were all surgically removed on one session. Among 32 cases of pituitary adenoma, a total resection was carried out in 17 cases, a subtotal resection in 12 cases, and a partial resection in 3. After surgery, a supplemental X-knife radiosurgery was employed. Postoperative follow-up in the 48 cases for 0.5~3.5 years (mean, 2.5 years) showed no recurrence of sphenoidal cyst, sphenoidal sinusitis, or meningioma, and 3 cases of recurrence of pituitary adenoma. No intracranial infection, adhesion of nasal cavity, or nasal bleeding was noted. Conclusions Transnasal operations on the sphenoidal sinus and the middle fossa under nasal endoscope combined with microscope has advantages of mild invasion, little blood loss, short operation time, and good outcomes.