Endoscopic approaches to pituitary lesions: difficulties and challenges.

Introduction And Objectives: The evolution of surgical approaches to the pituitary region brings benefits to the patient, but also means changes for otolaryngologists, who have to face new difficulties and complications. The objective of this paper was to present our experience in the endoscopic approach to the pituitary region, assessing the difficulties and complications encountered, and to offer possible elements for improvement.

Material And Method: We reviewed the first 40 cases of pituitary approaches we carried out between 2008 and 2011.

Superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap in partial parotidectomy and clinical and subclinical Frey's syndrome. Cosmesis and quality of life.

Background: Frey's syndrome (FS), facial depression, and noticeable scar may have an impact on patient's quality of life after a parotidectomy. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap has been used to ameliorate those effects.

Methods: Forty-seven consecutive parotidectomies were analyzed; SMAS flap was performed in 26 of them.