A Novel Technique for Transpalatal Hypophysectomy.

A novel technique is described for transpalatal hypophysectomy as an option for sellar region surgery using a microscope and/or endoscope.  A straight submucosal tunnel (approximately 20 mm in diameter; 40-50 mm long-half the length required by conventional transsphenoidal hypophysectomy) is dissected in favorable alignment with the main tumor axis, providing a direct view that allows the surgeon to operate on large suprasellar tumors, even in cases of extra-axial expansion.  In a 25-year period, over 50 patients benefited from this surgery. Macroadenomas devoid of extra-axial expansions were totally excised (76.5%), otherwise, partially (23.5%). Forty-nine patients (98%) were extubated soon after surgery. Mean surgery duration was 3 hour 32 minute, with 2 days 6 hour before free feeding was restored. Postoperative hospitalization under neurosurgical care averaged 6 days 6 hour. Currently, patients undergoing the procedure do not require nasal tampons and can eat soft foods soon after recovery from anesthesia. Although two patients (3.9%) presented with oronasal fistulae postoperatively, no episodes of severe hemorrhage occurred during surgery and there were no cases of liquoric fistulae, visual impairment, panhypopituitarism, or severe syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.  The new surgical approach is safe, effective, and well accepted by patients, who reported low levels of discomfort. Postsurgical complications or sequela are currently rare, but further operations should be performed using more appropriate materials, instruments, and equipment to allow comparisons with other techniques.