External rhinoplasty approach to transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.

The history of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy demonstrates the soundness of the basic concept of approaching the sella turcica in a midline fashion through the nose. Conceptually, it has not been eclipsed since first evolved by Cushing in the early part of this century. The surgical advances since Cushing's time have been major refinements in instrumentation and minor refinements of his basic technique. The external rhinoplasty approach is such a refinement. We have used this technique in a two-year period between June 1982 and June 1984 on 14 patients. We have found this technique for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy to be a simple, reliable, rapid technique for exposing the septum and the floor of the nose. It provides excellent exposure to the sphenoid sinus and pituitary gland without loss of nasal tip projection or other cosmetic deformity.