Abstract:Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EEETA) for removal of suprasellar tumors and sellar tumors with suprasellar extension.MethodsBetween Nov 2013 and July 2015, 17 consecutive patients underwent removal of suprasellar tumors or sellar tumors with suprasellar extension via EEETA. This series consisted of six craniopharyngiomas, nine pituitary adenomas, one Langerhans cell histiocytosis of pituitary stalk and one cavernoma of chiasm.ResultsTotal gross removal was achieved in 14 patients (82.4%), almost total removal was achieved in two patients with craniopharyngioma, and one patient with the subtotal removal of craniopharyngioma received gamma knife therapy. Of 15 patients with preoperative visual acuity defects, 14 (93.3%) got improved obviously, and one worsened after operation. Of 11 patients with normal preoperative cortisol level, 2 (18.2%) suffered temporary decrease after operation. Two patients with high growth hormone had normal postoperative pituitary function. One patients (5.9%) with adenoma suffered cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. During the 3 to 24 months followup period, postoperative magnetic resonance images revealed no tumor recurrence, and no patient died.ConclusionWith advantages of clear vision, better exposure, without brain retraction, safe resection of suprasellar tumors ventrally, and preservation of neurological function, EEETA is safe and effective for resection of suprasellar tumors.
