Is Complex Sphenoidal Sinus Anatomy a Contraindication to a Transsphenoidal Approach for Resection of Sellar Lesions? Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The transsphenoidal approach is considered the gold standard for resection of pituitary adenomas and other sellar region lesions. This approach is guided by a few fundamental anatomic landmarks that conduct the surgeon toward the sellar floor. Some anatomic structures may vary a lot (e.g., intrasphenoidal septa, intercarotid distance) and may be difficult to identify. Pneumatization and conformation of the sphenoidal sinus (SS) plays a key role in accessing the floor of the sella and other skull base structures. A poorly pneumatized SS may be a relative contraindication to the transsphenoidal approach. We analyzed outcome and complications in transsphenoidal surgery for sellar lesions with a difficult SS.

METHODS: We analyzed 243 consecutive patients who underwent a transsphenoidal approach for sellar lesions. Patients with poor pneumatization of the SS were included. Neurosurgical and endocrinologic outcomes were reported.

RESULTS: Successful treatment using a transsphenoidal approach with neuronavigation and Doppler ultrasound was achieved in 15 patients with a low degree of pneumatization of the SS. A pituitary adenoma was present in 13 of 15 patients. Endocrinologic and neurosurgical outcomes were similar to patients with normal pneumatization of the SS, showing a cure of disease in 6 of 9 patients with functioning adenomas and an improvement of symptoms in cases of nonfunctioning adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a poorly pneumatized SS can be treated safely with a transsphenoidal approach using image guidance techniques to avoid major neurovascular complications.