[The transseptal-transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland--a common problem of otorhinolaryngology and neurosurgery (author's transl)].

Most of the hypophyseal adenomas can be removed by extracranial operation techniques. The ENT specialist prepares the approach to the pituitary gland while the neurosurgeon will resect the adenoma after having given the indication for this procedure. In this paper special attention is called to one of the extracranial techniques i.e. the sublabial-transseptal-transsphenoidal approach in hypophysectomy. It seems to be more advantageous than the other because the pituitary gland can be exactly removed oppositely. By that way the damage of the sinus, the carotid artery or the optic nerve can be avoided. The possibility of perforation of the nasal septum, deformation of the nose or atrophic rhinitis is of small importance especially if the otorhinologist will prepare the extracranial part of the operation. Moreover the neurosurgeon meets with a great and clear operation area because the anterior wall of the sella turcica can be resected extremely. Besides further advantages discussed in the paper the transseptal-transsphenoidal approach is rather simple, distinct and shortens the operation time.