Surgical complications associated with the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas

Paolo Cappabianca M.D. 1 , Luigi Maria Cavallo M.D. 1 , AnnaMaria Colao M.D., Ph.D. 1 and Enrico de Divitiis M.D. 1
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  • 1 Department of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery and Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.2002.97.2.0293
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Object. To assess postoperative complications related to the surgical procedure, a retrospective analysis was conducted in a series of 146 consecutively treated patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region for resection of pituitary adenomas between January 1997 and July 2001.

Methods. Complications were divided into groups (nasofacial, sphenoid sinus, sella turcica, supra or parasellar, and endocrine complications) according to the anatomical structures and the systems involved. Overall, a decreased incidence of complications has been observed, compared with large historical series of the traditional microsurgical transsphenoidal approach, likely because of the overview inside the anatomy facilitated by the endoscope, and the decreased surgical trauma.

Conclusions. Transsphenoidal surgery, either microscopic or endoscopic, is a safe procedure in experienced hands, but serious complications still occur and must be reduced as much as possible. Additional improvement can be expected with greater experience and new technical developments. A coordinated team effort with other dedicated colleagues from different specialties is advised.

Volume 97: Issue 2 (Aug 2002)

in Journal of Neurosurgery
Cover Volume null: Issue null: Journal of Neurosurgery
Article Information

Contributor Notes

Address reprint requests to: Paolo Cappabianca, M.D., Department of Neurological Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery, “Federico II” University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. email: cappabia@unina.it.
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