Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach to the Sella: Towards Functional Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery (FEPS)*

P. Cappabianca; A. Alfieri; E. de Divitiis

doi:10.1055/s-2008-1052019

min - Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Table of Contents

Minim Invasive Neurosurg 1998; 41(2): 66-73
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1052019

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach to the Sella: Towards Functional Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery (FEPS)*

P. Cappabianca, A. Alfieri, E. de Divitiis

Department of Neurosurgery “Federico II” University School of Mediane, Naples (Italy)

* Presented at the 3rd European Skull Base Congress, London, April 9-11, 1997

Abstract

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Abstract

Standard microscopical transsphenoidal surgery is used world-wide in most sellar lesions, but continuing technological progress leaves room for further possibilities. The authors have employed a slightly modified Jho-Carrau technique for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal removal of pituitary lesions. This approach has been successfully used in 15 consecutive patients; the preliminary results are reported. The advantages and the limitations of this technique are discussed and compared to standard transsphenoidal surgery. In consideration of the low invasiveness of this approach and of the improved respect for the inner nose and sinus structures, the authors suggest the new term of Functional Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery (FEPS) to characterize this simple onenostril endoscopic endonasal procedure.

Key words

Pituitary Tumours - Endoscopy - Transsphenoidal Surgery - Endonasal Approach - Minimally Invasive Surgery

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