[The surgical treatment of dysembryogenetic tumors in the sella-sphenoid location by a transnasal-trans-sphenoid approach].

In 1979-1993, a total of 1,320 patients with tumors of various histological patterns were operated on by transnasal and transsphenoidal access. Among them, 57 patients had dysembryogenetic tumors: craniopharyngiomas (n = 37), chordomas (n = 10), angiofibromas (n = 6), Rathke's pouch cysts (n = 2), epidermoid cysts (n = 2). Eleven patients were operated on by a combined access (transcranial, then transnasal). The paper gives in detail the clinical aspects, X-ray diagnostic features of dysembryogenetic tumors of sellar-sphenoidal site, identifies their basic growth variants. It also describes the specific features of the access and operation techniques. Indications and contraindications for surgery have been developed. Tumors were totally and subtotally removed in 82.5% of patients. Visual improvements were observed in 74.4%. It is concluded that the transnasal and transsphenoidal access maybe used as the major method of surgical treatment and combined surgical treatment of dysembryogenetic tumors of sellar-sphenoidal site.