Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal management of cystic sellar lesions

Abstract

Introduction The trans-sphenoidal route is now considered the standard approach for pituitary adenomas. This approach is increasingly safe with the use of endoscope. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to assess 11 patients with cystic sellar lesion operated by an endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach. Patients and methods Between January 2007 and January 2011, 11 patients underwent standard endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery in the neurosurgical department, Tanta University, Egypt. All patients underwent complete clinical, endocrinological, and visual field evaluation before operation. The imaging study was performed by MRI of the sellar region with and without intravenous gadolinium contrast. Results The study included 11 patients: six female patients and five male patients, with a mean age of 34 years. The aim of the procedure for cystic lesion was to open the cyst cavity and remove a part of its wall through the sphenoid sinus and to remove the solid component if present. Conclusion The use of endoscopy in the treatment of cystic lesion is considered a very useful tool with its panoramic view that permits better exploration of the cystic cavity to assess the completeness of tumor removal.