Unilateral septal technique for transsphenoidal microsurgical approach to the sella turcica. Technical note.

A modification of the transseptal, transsphenoidal appraoch to the sella turcica is described; it consists of a unilateral separation of the nasal mucosa from the nasal septum. Experience with the technique in 215 cases has indicated that it is a useful, practical appraoch. The advantages are that the septum is spared, reoperation is made easier, and the procedure is quicker than the bilateral septal procedure. Asymptomatic nasal septal perforations (less than 3 mm) were seen in eight of 215 cases, and represented the only complication related to the operation.