J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1996 Nov;25(11):2291-2295.

External Rhinoplasty Approach for Transsphenoidal Surgery of Pituitary Tumor

• Park HS
• Kim JH
• Kim TS
• Jo JS

Abstract

The sublabial approach for transseptal transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary tumors has been the most popular procedure since Cushing first introduced this technique in early 1900's. In recent years, various modifications for transseptal route and their obvious advantages over the sublabial approach have been reported. Currently, in our institute, the preferred method is the external rhinoplasty approach, suggested by Braint and descried by McCurdy. After experiencing 54 cases since 1995 DEC, we found this technique simple, providing good exposure and short distance for instrumentation, preserving nasal tip projection, avoding postoperative numbness of upper teeth and especially beneficial to revision surgery when septal cartilage has been removed by a previous sublabial approach and to surgery for acromegaly patients.

Keyword

External rhinoplasty approach; Sublabial approach; Transsphenoidal surgery

MeSH Terms

Acromegaly
Cartilage
Humans
Hypesthesia
Pituitary Neoplasms*
Rhinoplasty*
Tooth