Image-guided endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of pituitary tumours.

Background: With continuing advancements in minimally invasive endoscopic nasal and sinus surgical techniques, image-guided endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches to the pituitary gland and anterior skull base have progressively become more popular.

Methods: Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively from 2001 to 2006. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with pituitary tumours underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery.

Results: We outlined our endoscopic surgical technique with the use of image guidance. The duration of surgery, complications, and hospital stay were also reviewed.

Conclusions: Image guidance can be applied during transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery and requires a minimal amount of time. It can reduce morbidity and allow for a more complete and safer operation with minimal postoperative discomfort. It can significantly reduce postoperative hospital stay, resulting in a reduced cost to the medical system.