The superior turbinectomy approach to isolated sphenoid sinus disease and to the sella turcica

Sphenoidotomy or sphenoidectomy are most commonly performed as part of a more extensive pansinus procedure. However, rhinologists may find themselves occasionally in a need to surgically treat an isolated sphenoid sinus disease. With the introduction of endoscopic sinus techniques and instrumentation, intranasal sphenoidotomy has become increasingly popular. The most common approach used is the intranasal, transethmoid sphenoidectomy. Alternatively, many surgeons perform middle turbinectomy to approach the sphenoid sinus transnasally. We describe our direct transnasal, nontransethmoid, nontransseptal approach to the sphenoid sinus. Superior tubinectomy is performed to enhance the exposure of the anterior sphenoid wall. Seventy patients underwent sphenoid sinus exploration for isolation sphenoid sinus disease or for pituitary lesions. Surgical goals were achieved in all patients and there were no complications related to the technique. The superior turbinectomy approach to isolated sphenoid sinus disease provides excellent exposure and avoids the sequelae of total ethmoidectomy or middle turbinectomy.