[Mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma].

Objective: To summarize the mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma.

Methods: The clinical features, operative techniques, and outcome of 36 patients with pituitary adenoma were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Tumors were totally removed in 28 cases, and subtotally resected in 8 patients. No patient died after the operation. Endocrine symptom of 31 patients returned to the normal level, the symptom of the other 5 cases were improved. Thirty patients with visual field defects recovered after the operation. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in one patient, and was cured with conservative treatment in 2 weeks.

Conclusion: Mononostril-septum-transsphenoidal approach can make use of the natural space of the nasal cavity, which has many advantages, such as direct approach, short operative time, minimal invasion, and few complications. It is a effective transsphenoidal surgical approach.