Neuroendoscope-assisted microsurgery in patients with pituitary adenoma via pterional keyhole approach

Abstract

Objective To explore the role of neuroendoscopy in microsurgery in patients with pituitary adenoma via pterional keyhole approach.Methods Thirty-three patients with pituitary adenomas in the sellar region were performed microscope-assisted microsurgery and neuroendoscope-assisted microsurgery via pterional keyhole approach.The data of these patients and the total removal rate of these 2 strategies were analyzed and compared.Results Of the 33 patients,20 achieved total removal of the pituitary adenoma with microscope-assisted microsurgery via pterional keyhole approach and 13 got subtotal removal.Then,these 13 patients were performed neuroendoscope-assisted microsurgery via pterional keyhole approach:total removal was received in 8 and subtotal removal in 5.The total removal percentage that was got under the help of neuroendoscope-assisted microsurgery(28/33)was significantly higher as compared with that using microsurgery(20/33,P<0.05).Conclusion Neuroendoscope-assisted microsurgery via pterional keyhole approach,being able to enlarge the visible field in the microsurgery in patients with pituitary adenoma,increases the complete resection rate,protects the pituitary stalk and decreases the happening of complications. Key words: Pterional approach; Keyhole; Neuroendoscope; Microsurgery; Pituitary adenoma