Endonasal Technique Research Articles

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Series of 96 Surgical Cases.

Introduction Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign vascularized tumor that affects almost exclusively male adolescents. Surgery is the treatment of choice for JNA. Objectives The present study is a 42-year retrospective review of a series of JNA cases treated surgically without previous embolization. Methods The present is a retrospective, descriptive study based on medical records of 96 patients with JNA who underwent microscopic or endoscopic excision without previous embolization from 1978 to 2020 in a single institution. The patients were categorized according to the Andrews et al. stage, and data were collected on age, gender, tumor staging, surgical approach, affected side, and outcome. Results All patients were male, with an average age of 17 years. The predominant tumor stage consisted of type II, with 52.1%. A total of 33.3% of the patients were submitted to the microscopic technique and 66.7%, to the endonasal technique. The rate of intraoperative blood transfusion was of 17.7%. Conclusion The present study reinforces that resection of JNA in various stages is viable without previous artery embolization.

Early Predictors of Remission in Acromegaly Patients after Pure Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

Abstract Objective Surgery is the first-line treatment in acromegaly but it takes months to confirm remission. It is crucial to determine remission early in order to inform the patient and plan further treatment options. We aimed to evaluate the predictors of remission at the early phase after endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery in acromegaly patients. Methods Fifty-four growth hormone (GH)-adenoma patients operated via pure endoscopic endonasal approach were analyzed in this observational study. We compared the basic clinical, radiological characteristics, and the preoperative and postoperative hormone levels in terms of remission according to current guidelines. Results The surgical remission rate was 61.1%. When the patients were compared according to surgical remission, the age, gender, and immunohistochemical granulation type were found to be nonsignificant, while diabetes mellitus was more common (55.6 vs. 44.4%). The preoperative tumor volume (1.2 ± 0.9 vs. 4.1 ± 4.2 cm3) and postoperative GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were higher in the nonremission group (p < 0.05). We defined a number of cut-off values of both GH and IGF-1 levels to predict remission at the postoperative phase. Age standardized regression analyses showed that postoperative day 1 (POD-1) GH levels (odds ratio [OR]: 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99–40.0, p = 0.004) and tumor volume (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.09–9.0, p = 0.034) were found to be significant independent predictors for remission. Conclusion We demonstrated that tumor volume and POD-1 GH levels are independent predictors of remission in acromegaly patients operated via the pure endoscopic endonasal technique and may be used as an early marker of remission, and this may lead to taking adjuvant medical therapies early into account to improve prognosis.

Endonasal Endoscopic Treatment of Esthesioneuroblastoma

Introduction: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a malignant neoplasm that originates from the olfactory epithelium. Treatment is established according to its extension and the histological degree of atypia and may include surgery, surgery more radiotherapy or more chemoradiation therapy. Different surgical approaches have been used, including facial incisions and craniotomy, but with the greater experience acquired with endoscopic sinus surgery and teamwork with the neurosurgeon, endonasal techniques have been developed that make it possible to perform oncological resections in selected patients, with less morbidity, brief hospitalization and without compromising local control of the disease. Objectives: To determine the rate of local control in patients treated for esthesioneuroblastomas by the endonasal approach with endoscopes or through an endonasal approach with bifrontal craniotomy. Methods: A review of the electronic medical records of patients who were treated for esthesioneuroblastomas in the ENT Department of the Italiano Hospital of Buenos Aires between March 2005 and May 2022 was carried out. Results: Five patients were treated with an endonasal approach with endoscopes. Two patients with an endonasal approach only (Kadish B and C) and three with an endonasal approach combined with bifrontal craneotomy (Kadish C and one D). In four cases, chemotherapy-radiotherapy or radiotherapy was also used. Local control in the treated group was 80% (4/5) and specific survival was 60% (3/5). Conclusions: The local control that we obtained in patients treated for esthesioneuroblastomas through a single endonasal approach or combined with bifrontal craniotomy and adjuvant treatments was 80% and survival without local, regional or distant disease was 60%.

Limited Incision Rhinoplasty: An Approach for All Primary and Revision Cases.

Rhinoplasty was one of the most frequently performed aesthetic surgeries in the USA in 2022. Traditionally, the open approach has been preferred by the majority of surgeons often due to familiarity and ease of visualization. However, patient interest in closed and preservation rhinoplasty is driving a resurgence in the popularity of endonasal techniques. We present a series of 100 consecutive endonasal primary and revision rhinoplasty cases using bilateral isolated modified rim incisions. One-hundred consecutive patients underwent closed rhinoplasty via isolated modified rim incisions at a single-surgeon private practice. The senior author performs 100% endonasal rhinoplasty. A retrospective chart review was performed from 06/25/20 to 09/21/22. Information on demographics, complications, and need for revision was collected. Eighty-four patients underwent primary rhinoplasty, 11 underwent secondary rhinoplasty, 4 underwent tertiary rhinoplasty, and 1 underwent quaternary rhinoplasty. Isolated modified rim incisions were used in all cases except in cases of septoplasty when a unilateral Killian incision was added, or in cases of lateral osteotomy when vestibular stab incisions were added. Post-operatively, six (6.0%) patients required revision, all of which were performed under local anesthesia. Limited incision rhinoplasty is a reliable surgical approach that produces predictable results with a low revision rate. This technique is highly effective in minimizing soft tissue disruption to ensure safe, reliable, and effective outcomes in primary and revision rhinoplasty. It is an easier technique to learn compared to traditional endonasal and even arguably open rhinoplasty, thus lending itself to widespread adoption especially among novice rhinoplasty surgeons. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Endoscopic endonasal transclival clipping of a cerebellar arteriovenous malformation feeding vessel and associated aneurysm; a 2D operative video

Positioned along the ventral surface of the pons, proximal superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms account for only 1.7% of all intracranial aneurysms [1]. Unlike more commonly encountered basilar artery aneurysms, patients often experience good outcomes when treated via endovascular coiling or surgical clipping [1,2]. These lesions frequently have a lateral projection and paucity of perforator arteries [2]. With further development of endoscopic endonasal techniques, access to this region is possible via a direct frontal exposure to the ventral brainstem, basilar artery and branching vessels. To date, there are only a limited number of reports describing an endoscopic endonasal transclival (EETC) approach for surgical clipping [3–5]. In this operative video, we detail the surgical clipping of a cerebellar arteriovenous malformation feeding vessel and an associated aneurysm using the EETC approach in a 59-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset of a severe headache. The feeding vessel and aneurysm’s midline location, just below the take-off of the SCA made it a good candidate for this surgery. Major steps included in this video include 1) transsphenoidal exposure of and subsequent drilling of the clivus, 2) dural opening into the pre-pontine cistern and dissection of the aneurysm, 3) clipping of the aneurysm, and 4) multi-layered closure of the skull base defect. Overall, the patient tolerated the procedure well and was found to have no residual filling of the aneurysm or the AVM feeding vessel at 2-year follow-up. EETC is a viable surgical option for the treatment of aneurysm located along the midline of the pre-pontine cistern.

Oblique Dome Division Technique/ Preservation Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty techniques as well endonasal techniques that involve lower lateral cartilage delivery and marginal incisions lead to many unpleasant effects such as alar notching, alar retraction, alar collapse, dropped/pinched tip, Pollybeak, asymmetry, alar collapse, deviation, and dimpling. Both the original Joseph endonasal technique and the later Goldman endonasal tip technique has also resulted in the above issues, while these problems are well documented in the open rhinoplasty approach. To reduce these sequalae, the author has developed a new combination technique. It is based on the Goldman's tip and the I-beam of intermediate crura while avoiding lateral crus marginal incision and delivery (which are the culprits associated with a poor outcome). This results in an intact alar rim reducing healing problems along the alar rim. Furthermore, lateral crus preservation together with a strong tripod of conjoined lateral to medial crura supported by a columellar strut and tip grafts lead to significantly enhanced tip support thus substantially reducing negative sequalae such as asymmetry, alar collapse, dropped tip, pinching, notching and alar retraction while at the same time making the outcome more predictable. The author has been applying this technique since 1999 (Last 23 years). The technique and follow-up will be fully discussed.

Clival Chordomas in the Endoscopic Endonasal Era: Comparison With Management With Open Skull Base Approaches.

The most significant paradigm shift in surgical management of skull base chordomas has been the adoption of the endoscopic endonasal approach, but the impact on patient outcomes compared with open skull base approaches remains unclear. To compare a large series of patients treated by a single surgeon using primarily endoscopic endonasal approaches with previously published outcomes by the same surgeon using open skull base approaches. Between 2006 and 2020, 68 patients with skull base chordoma underwent resection using primarily endoscopic endonasal approaches. Outcomes and complications were compared with previously published results of resection of chordomas from 1991 to 2005 using open skull base approaches. Compared with the prior cohort, the current principally endoscopic cohort demonstrated similar rates of OS ( P = .86) and progression-free survival ( P = .56), but patients undergoing first-time resection had significantly higher rates of radical resection (82.9% compared with 64.3%, P = .05) and required fewer staged surgeries (9.8% compared with 33.3%, P = .01). There was no difference in survival rates for patients treated in the current era, primarily using endoscopic endonasal techniques, compared with previously published results using open skull-base approaches by the same surgeon. Although use of endoscopic endonasal approach resulted in higher rates of radical resection, patients undergoing first-time resection and fewer staged surgeries were required.

The Evolution of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Olfactory Groove Meningiomas.

There is controversy over the choice of optimal approach for olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM). The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is one of the most recently described corridors, which provides direct access to the tumor base. To detail the evolution of the endoscopic endonasal technique over the past 2 decades and demonstrate the impact of this evolution on patient outcomes. This is a retrospective study based on a prospectively maintained database of consecutive cases of OGM operated on at our institution via EEA. For analysis, the whole cohort has been divided into 3 equal "eras" according to the time period during which the surgery happened, creating early, middle, and contemporary groups. Seventy-five patients were included, 25 in each group. The rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak significantly decreased over time (28%, 32%, and 8% in the early, middle, and contemporary groups, respectively, P = .020). The rate of postoperative encephalomalacia was significantly lower in more recent groups (24%, 16%, and 0% in the early, middle, and contemporary groups, respectively, P = .029), as was the time to resolution of postoperative brain edema (103.9 months, 87.3 months, and 16.8 months in the early, middle, and contemporary groups, respectively, P = .020). The endoscopic endonasal approach for OGM significantly evolved over time, achieving lower cerebrospinal fluid leak rates while providing a high rate of Simpson grade 1 resection. Technical improvements minimized the frontal lobe impact. Current data support EEA as a safe and effective corridor to treat OGM.

Endoscopic endonasal treatment of craniopharyngiomas: current management strategies and future perspectives.

Craniopharyngiomas are locally aggressive disembryogenetic tumors presenting mostly in childhood and late adulthood. They are often burdened by an unfavorable clinical course due to close relationships with nearby critical neurovascular structures and high risk of recurrences. The aim of our paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding current strategies and future perspectives for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas, focusing on the role of endoscopic endonasal surgery. A comprehensive literature search of three databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Ovid Embase) has been conducted to identify papers addressing the management strategies in adult and pediatric craniopharyngioma patients. Twenty-two articles have been included, providing data for 560 adult and 215 pediatric patients. Mean follow-up was 40.29 months for the adult and 58.05 months for pediatric population. GTR rate was 60.97% and 82.52% in adult and pediatric patients, respectively. Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in 20.99% of adult and 8.25% of pediatric cases; 89% of adult patients and 94.11% of pediatric patients receiving radiotherapy had previously undergone NTR, STR or partial resection. The recurrence rate was 19.32% and 18.61% for adult and pediatric population, respectively. Recurrences occurred mostly in patients receiving incomplete resection without adjuvant radiotherapy (72.87% in adults and 51.28% in children); 86.69% and 87.12% of adult and pediatric patients reported improvement of their previous ophthalmologic deficit; 40% of the adult population and 41.86%% of pediatric patients worsened or developed endocrinological disturbances. CSF leak rate was 16.4% in adults and 13.95%% in children. Modern policy of craniopharyngioma management is represented by the combination of a "maximum safe" allowed surgical removal plus radiotherapy. In this scenario, the endoscopic endonasal technique proved to be a valid approach for removing these lesions, providing satisfactory outcomes with lower morbidity.

Analyzing giant pituitary adenomas: An 8-year review (2012–2020) at a reference center in Brazil

PurposeThis study aimed to review the cases of giant adenomas that were operated on from 2012 to 2020 and to analyze the epidemiological profile, complications, and resection rates using the transseptal/transnasal endoscopy technique. We also compared the results with data from revised literature. MethodsThis is an observational, retrospective study includes a review of the medical records of 26 patients diagnosed with giant adenomas (diameter > 4 cm or volume >10 cm3) who underwent 28 surgical procedures. ResultsOf the 57 patients operated for pituitary adenoma, 26 (50.8%) had giant adenomas. The mean volume was 17.28 cm3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3359–26.2241). Moreover, 64.28% of the patients were graded Knosp 3 (p < 0.0001). Most cases were of nonsecretory adenomas (88.46%). Visual impairment was present in 89.2% of the patients and hormonal deficit and headache affected 53.5% of them. The visual impairment improved in 60% of the patients. The most common surgical complication was cerebrospinal fluid fistula (10.71%). Tumor resection > 90% was achieved in 53.56% of the cases, and the mean resection rate was 78.36% (95% CI, 71.316–87.956). ConclusionsThe endoscopic endonasal technique is a good treatment option for giant adenomas, showing satisfactory optic apparatus decompression rates and a low incidence of complications when performed by surgeons with expertise in this approach.

Endoscopic endonasal technique in the treatment of malignant nasal cavity tumors extending to the skull base. Assessment of short-term results

<h3></h3> Опухоли полости носа, распространяющиеся на основание черепа, встречаются довольно редко, на их долю приходится от 3 до 5% злокачественных новообразований головы и шеи. Многие из них, ранее требующие травматичной краниофациальной резекции, теперь можно удалить через эндоскопический эндоназальный доступ. <h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Улучшение качества лечения пациентов с опухолями полости носа, распространяющимися на основание черепа. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> В исследование вошло 13 пациентов, оперированных по поводу злокачественных новообразований полости носа, распространяющихся на основание черепа, с использованием эндоскопического эндоназального доступа либо с эндоскопической эндоназальной ассистенции. <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ И ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ</h3> Среди 13 пациентов с распространенными опухолями полости носа было 8 женщин и 5 мужчин в возрасте от 33 до 72 лет. В трех случаях диагностирована хондросаркома G1, в 1 — хондросаркома G2, в 2 — мукозальная меланома, в 2 — нейроэндокринная опухоль G1, в 1 — нейроэндокринная опухоль G 2-3, в 1 — нейробластома G3, в 2 — аденокистозный рак, в 1 — плоскоклеточный рак. Тотальное удаление опухоли было выполнено в 10 случаях, субтотальное — в 2 и частичное — в 1. <h3>ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ</h3> Ближайшие результаты использования эндоскопической эндоназальной методики позволяют предположить, что данный способ улучшит качество лечения пациентов с злокачественными опухолями носа, распространяющимися на основание черепа. Однако оценка долгосрочных результатов лечения пациентов с такими опухолями требует дальнейшего изучения.

Addressing the Nasal Valves: The Endonasal Approach.

The external and internal nasal valves are directly implicated in nasal valve collapse. A variety of endonasal techniques have been developed to address nasal dysfunction while maintaining or improving aesthetic appearance. This review discusses the biomechanics, surgical approach, indications, and evidence of functional and aesthetic results for each maneuver. While the endonasal approach is safe and effective, a thorough understanding of the advantages and limitations is fundamental to selecting the most appropriate surgery for the individual patient.

Endonasal Free Flap Reconstruction Combined With Draf Frontal Sinusotomy for Complex Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Technical Report &amp; Case Series

Frontal sinus cranialization with closure via bifrontal pericranial flaps is the gold standard for separating the nasofrontal recess from the intracranial cavity for posterior table defects. Despite the high success rate, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak may persist and is particularly challenging when vascularized reconstructive options from the bicoronal incision are exhausted. To assess a novel endonasal technique using an adipofascial radial forearm free flap delivered to the frontal recess through a Draf sinusotomy to repair complex CSF leaks from the frontal sinus. A retrospective review of 3 patients (all male; ages 42, 43, and 69 yr) with persistent CSF leak despite frontal sinus cranialization and repair with bifrontal pericranium was performed. Etiology of injury was traumatic in 2 patients and iatrogenic in 1 patient after anaplastic meningioma treatment. To create space for the flap and repair the nasofrontal ducts, endoscopic Draf III (Case 1, 3) or Draf IIb left frontal sinusotomy (Case 2) was performed. The forearm flap was harvested, passed through a Caldwell-Luc exposure, and placed within the Draf frontal sinustomy. The flap vessels were tunneled to the left neck and anastomosed to the facial vessels by the mandibular notch. Intraoperatively, the flaps were well-seated and provided a watertight seal. Postoperative hospital courses were uncomplicated. There were no new CSF leaks or flap necrosis at 12, 14, and 16 mo. Endoscopic endonasal free flap reconstruction through a Draf procedure is a novel viable option for persistent CSF leak after failed frontal sinus cranialization.

Anterior Skull Base Tumors and Surgery

Anterior skull base surgery requires intimate knowledge of a highly complex anatomic region containing critical neurovascular structures. A wide array of pathologies can occur along the anterior cranial base, including meningiomas, esthesioneuroblastomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, chondrosarcomas, and chordomas. Advancements in endoscopic sinus surgery have allowed many of these tumors to be effectively treated via an endoscopic endonasal technique. This approach obviates the need for large incisions causing cosmetic deformity, improves magnification of the surgical field, and offers a direct path to lesions thus avoiding retraction of structures such as the brain and nerves. Surgeons must understand the limitations of endoscopic techniques and consider open or combined open and endoscopic approaches when appropriate. Reconstructive anterior skull base techniques vary depending on the size and location of defects, along with factors such as intracranial pressure and patient co-morbidities. Large skull base defects require multilayer reconstruction that include a watertight primary dural repair with either synthetic or autologous tissue, followed by local vascularized tissue flaps. This review contains 8 figures, 2 videos, 4 tables and 33 references Key words: Anterior skull base, meningioma, esthesioneuroblastoma, chordoma, pituitary, CSF leak, nasosptal flap, dural repair, expanded endonasal approaches, endoscopic surgery

In-office Endonasal Minor Revision Rhinoplasty.

The revision rhinoplasty presents many unique challenges to the facial plastic surgeon. While many cases will require a full revision in the operating room, there are several isolated deformities which may be repaired in the office via an endonasal approach. This provides many benefits to the patient and surgeon including decreased cost, shorter recovery time, avoidance of general anesthesia, and less discomfort. It is critical to identify defects appropriate for endonasal repair, establish clear expectations with the patient, and work within one's skill set and level of experience. The surgeon who can comfortably navigate both open and endonasal techniques can offer their patients a comprehensive set of solutions for revision rhinoplasty. In this article we outline the defects amenable to this type of repair as well as technical considerations for each defect addressed. We hope it serves as a useful framework for the range of deformities the rhinoplasty surgeon may take on for in-office repair.

Compare the Outcome of Endoscopic Endonasal versus Transcranial Approach for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of endoscopic endonasal verus transcranial approach for cerebrospinal fluid leak repair. Study Design: Comparative study Place and Duration: Conducted at department of Neurosurgery, Mardan Medical Complex/ Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan during the period from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021. Methods: Total eighty patients of both genders were presented in this study. Patients were aged between 20-65 years. Patients’ detailed demographics age, sex and body mass were recorded after taking written consent. Patients had CSF leaks and the history of CSF leak was presented. Patients were equally divided into two groups, I and II. Group I received endonasal technique and group II received transcranial approach. All the patients underwent MRI and CT scan. Complete follow up among both groups were taken in the duration of 8 months for the assessment of efficacy. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0 version. Results: Mean age of the patients in group I was 33.08±14.90 years with mean BMI28.4±3.12 kg/m2 and in group II mean age was 31.66±4.84 years with mean BMI 27.45±1108 kg/m2. Total 50 (62.5%) patients were males (25 in each group) and 30 (37.5%) patients were females (15 in each group). In group I recurrence rate was found in 3 (7.5%) cases and in group II recurrence rate was 6 (15%). 3 (7.5%) patients in group II developed infection but no infection rate was found in the endoscopic endonasal group. Satisfaction among patients in the endonasal group was greater than that of the transcranial group. Overall efficacy rate among both groups was 71 (88.8%). Conclusion: We concluded in this study that for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak endoscopic endonasal approach was effective and safe method as compared to transcranial approach. Minimum rate of recurrence and high rate of recovery was fund in endonasal approach. Keywords: CSF, Endoscopic endonasal, Transcranial approach, Complications, Recurrence

Surgical Management of Skull Base and Spine Chordomas

Management of chordoma along the cranial-spinal axis is a major challenge for both skull base and spinal surgeons. Although chordoma remains a rare tumor, occurring in approximately 1 per 1 million individuals, its treatment poses several challenges. These tumors are generally poorly responsive to radiation and chemotherapy, leading to surgical resection as the mainstay of treatment. Due to anatomic constraints and unique challenges associated with each primary site of disease, gross total resection is often not feasible and is associated with high rates of morbidity. Additionally, chordoma is associated with high rates of recurrence due to the tumor's aggressive biologic features, and postoperative radiation is increasingly incorporated as a treatment option for these patients. Despite these challenges, modern-day surgical techniques in both skull base and spinal surgery have facilitated improved patient outcomes. For example, endoscopic endonasal techniques have become the mainstay in resection of skull base chordomas, improving the ability to achieve gross total resection, while reducing associated morbidity of open transfacial techniques. Resection of spinal chordomas has been facilitated by emerging techniques in preoperative imaging, intraoperative navigation, spinal reconstruction, and radiotherapy. Taken collectively, the treatment of chordoma affecting the skull base and spinal requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists who specialize in the treatment of this challenging disease.

Multiple skull base defects: features of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment

To determine the risk factors of multiple skull base defects, as well as features of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. A retrospective analysis included 39 patients who underwent surgery for nasal CSF leakage at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center in 2000-2019. The study recruited patients with multiple simultant skull base defects. Traumatic defects were observed in 23 (59%) patients, spontaneous defects - in 16 (41%) cases. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal closure of skull base defects with autografts. Multiple defects are more common in severe traumatic brain injury. The main risk factors of multiple spontaneous defects are female sex and overweight. Adequate diagnosis implies high-resolution CT (slice width 0.5-1 mm), as well as intraoperative control of all suspicious and «weak» areas. Endoscopic endonasal technique is effective and safe for multiple skull base defects (efficiency 97%).

Extended endonasal approaches for pituitary adenomas.

Pituitary adenomas with significant extension beyond the sellar boundary, large size, asymmetrical shape and subarachnoid space invasion, although rare, represent a therapeutic challenge. The invasiveness of the tumor itself often limits the potential for complete tumor resection and increases the likelihood of intraoperative or postoperative complications, regardless of the approach. The extended endoscopic endonasal approach has been proposed as a valid alternative to the transcranial route for the treatment of certain pituitary adenomas not suitable to the standard transsphenoidal approach. Thanks to the wide and close up view provided by the endoscope via the appropriate expanded bone removal at the skull base, this technique offers, in an adequate working space, a safe exposure of the tumor and surrounding anatomical structures, at the supra-, para-, and retro-sellar areas. It stands clear that the primary goal of this approach remains the maximum allowed resection with preservation of neurological and endocrine functions. Herein, we debate the extended endoscopic endonasal technique for the treatment of pituitary adenomas, with the aim of underlying its indications, pitfalls, advantages, and limitations.

Cartilage Sparing Septal Perforation Repair using Rotation Flaps and a Collagen Interposition Graft: A Case Series.

Septal Perforations may be asymptomatic or can cause significant problems including nasal obstruction, crusting, bleeding, whistling and in severe cases a change in nasal shape and even pain. The author would like to present a single surgeon case series of septal perforation repairs, managed using an endo-nasal technique, with no external scars. There were 54 consecutive cases between 2011 and 2017. The repair was carried out using mucosal rotation flaps with an interposition graft of porcine collagen matrix. Patients were grouped according to the size of the perforation as measured at the time of the surgery. The patients were then clinically followed up for 1 year, and the recorded outcome measures were: the success of the surgical repair and the patient reported symptoms. Surgical success was 70% up to 1 cm diameter, 77% from 1 to 2 cm and 82% in perforations from 2 to 3 cm in diameter. No perforation over 3 cm in diameter was successfully closed. Patients were rendered asymptomatic even if the perforation was not closed in between 81% and 91% of patients up to perforations 3 cm in size. Over 3 cm in size 50% of patients reported being asymptomatic. This technique is an effective and low morbidity option for patients with small to medium sized septal perforations. For perforations over 3 cm in diameter other options may be more suitable.