Endoscopic Endonasal Extended Approaches for the Management of Large Pituitary Adenomas

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2015 Jul;26(3):323-31. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2015.03.007. Epub 2015 May 7.

Abstract

The management of giant and large pituitary adenomas with wide intracranial extension or infrasellar involvement of nasal and paranasal cavities is a big challenge for neurosurgeons and the best surgical approach indications are still controversial. Endoscopic extended endonasal approaches have been proposed as a new surgical technique for the treatment of such selected pituitary adenomas. Surgical series coming from many centers all around the world are flourishing and results in terms of outcomes and complications seem encouraging. This technique could be considered a valid alternative to the transcranial route for the management of giant and large pituitary adenomas.

Keywords: Endoscopic endonasal surgery; Extended approach; Giant adenoma; Pituitary adenoma; Transsphenoidal surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Adenoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Nasal Mucosa / surgery
  • Nasal Septum / surgery
  • Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / methods
  • Neuroendoscopy / methods*
  • Nose
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Tumor Burden