Endoscopic radical hypophysectomy: how I do it

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2016 Nov;158(11):2159-2162. doi: 10.1007/s00701-016-2955-5. Epub 2016 Sep 15.

Abstract

Background: Total hypophysectomy it is a classical procedure that currently has many indications especially in patients with Cushing syndrome without good endocrine control. Expanded endonasal endoscopic techniques grant us an alternative standpoint to the classic trans-sphenoidal microscopic approach and a comprehensive assessment of the process METHOD: The author provides technical nuances and describe step by step the radical endoscopic hypophysectomy. The study of cadaveric specimens adds clarifying dissections.

Conclusions: Radical hypophysectomy is an easily replicable and safe procedure. The most important morbidity is the intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which is inherent to this technique and can be successfully prevented with a pedicled nasoseptal flap reconstruction.

Keywords: Cushing’s disease; Extended endonasal endoscopic; Pituitary tumour; Radical hypophysectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / etiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypophysectomy / adverse effects
  • Hypophysectomy / methods*
  • Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / adverse effects
  • Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / methods*
  • Nose / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control