Utility of sphenoid mucosal flaps in transnasal transsphenoidal surgery

CONCLUSIONS: Use of a sphenoid mucosal flap in transsphenoidal surgery decreased the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and promoted wound healing of the sphenoid sinus. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of sphenoid mucosal flaps for the reconstruction of the sellar floor after transsphenoidal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent transnasal transsphenoidal surgery were reviewed. Data on materials used for the sellar reconstruction, presence of postoperative CSF leaks, duration of lumbar drainage and local wound complications of the sphenoid sinus were collected. RESULTS: Sphenoid mucosal flaps were used in 46 cases but not in 22 cases. An intersinus septal mucosal flap was most commonly used. Total mucosal covering was possible in 43 cases, partial covering in 3 cases and no covering in 22 cases. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred exclusively in six patients with partial or no mucosal covering. The duration of lumbar drainage was shorter in patients with a total mucosal covering than in those with a partial or no mucosal covering (average 4.3 days vs 11.7 days, p=0.003). Local wound complications of the sphenoid sinus occurred more frequently in patients with no mucosal covering than in patients with a mucosal covering (5/22, 22.7% vs 1/46, 2.1%, respectively, p=0.012).     

Reconstruction of a skull base defect after endoscopic endonasal resection of a pituitary adenoma: Sphenoid mucosal flaps

This report describes a bilateral sphenoid sinus mucosal flap for the repair of a sellar floor defect and CSF leak following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. The key advantage of this technique is enabling the sphenoid mucosal flaps to remain vascularized, which reduces postoperative complications including CSF leakage, recurrent sinusitis, meningitis, encephalitis and pneumocephalus. The use of this technique is a viable and possibly favorable alternative to free grafts in the reconstruction of small to medium sized sellar defects with low flow or absent CSF leaks base surgery.     

Acellular dermal allograft for sellar reconstruction after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy

Obliteration of the sphenoid sinus using fat is often used after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The morbidity of this approach includes donor site complications, fat necrosis, and delayed mucocele formation. As obliteration with fat is intended to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, an alternative for this technique would be techniques used for CSF rhinorrhea repair. Instead of sinus obliteration, these defects are repaired with fascial autografts, which are unfortunately associated with donor site complications. To avoid sinus obliteration and donor site complications, we have reconstructed the sella with acellular dermal allograft in lieu of sinus obliteration. Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed under combined microscopic and endoscopic visualization. For closure, the sellar anterior wall was reconstructed with acellular dermal allograft, septal cartilage/bone autograft, and fibrin glue. The sinus mucosa was then draped over the reconstruction and held in place with microfibrillar collagen hemostat slurry. The sphenoid sinus was not obliterated. Postoperatively, all patients underwent serial nasal endoscopy. Thirteen patients underwent the procedure as described for removal of pituitary adenoma. Postoperative discomfort and pain were minimal. Intraoperative CSF leaks were identified in five patients; none of these patients experienced a postoperative CSF leak. The microfibrillar collagen hemostat was cleared by sphenoid mucociliary clearance. One patient developed acute sphenoid sinusitis several weeks after surgery; this patient did not develop meningitis. One postoperative CSF leak occurred in an obese patient, in whom an intraoperative CSF leak was not identified; this leak resolved with bedrest and delayed lumbar drainage alone. Sellar reconstruction with acellular dermal allograft may eliminate the need for sphenoid sinus obliteration after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Acellular dermal allograft sellar reconstruction ultimately provides for an aerated, functioning sphenoid sinus without increased CSF leak risk or potential donor site morbidity.     

Approaches to sella turcica in endoscopic pituitary surgery

Recent advances in endoscopic sinus surgery suggested the potential for its surgical application to pituitary surgery. A number of institutions have reported the advantage of endoscope use in pituitary surgery, which is now widely accepted, but approaches to the sella vary in the literature. We retrospectively studied sella approaches in endoscopic pituitary surgery as rhinologists. Subjects included 6 cases of pituitary adenoma and 2 cases of Rathke's cleft cyst. A both-nostril transnasal transsphenoidal approach, our standard technique, was used in 6 cases. This approach consisted of elevation of mucoperiosteal flaps, resection of the vomer and sphenoid anterior wall, and opening of the sellar floor. Elevated mucoperiosteal flaps were used to close of the sella after tumor resection. All tumors were removed and no significant postoperative complications occurred. We found the both-nostril transnasal approach to be easy and time-saving and provided surgeon with a broad surgical field necessary to treat large tumors and accidental cases. Postoperative observation of the sella was easy for wide opening of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. In our experience with reoperation, we quickly accessed the sella and easily removed tumors in the second operation. Our technique therefore has an advance in treatment of recurrence. The both-nostril transnasal approach involves the same procedures as median drainage of the sphenoid sinus, so our technique may have advantages in preventing mucocele of the sphenoid sinus as a late complication of transsphenoidal surgery. The transnasal transsphenoidal approach via both nostrils is preferable rhinologically.     

Assessment of post-operative healing following endoscopic,transnasal, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery without formal sellar grafting

IntroductionMultiple options exist for sellar reconstruction after endoscopic transnasal, transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) including free mucosa, fat, bone and synthetic materials. The objective of this study was to assess healing and mucosalization of the sellar face following TSS without formal sellar grafting or reconstruction.MethodsSingle institution retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing TSS without intraoperative CSF leaks between January 2014 and March 2017 at Rush University Medical Center. No formal sellar reconstruction was performed for the entire patient group. Follow-up endoscopic data and clinical notes were coded for time to mucosalization of the sella as well as degree of abnormal mucosal healing, epistaxis, crusting and scarring.Results83 patients were included in this study. Mean time to mucosalization was 119 days (range, 17 to 402 days). Incidence of abnormal mucosal healing, epistaxis, crusting and scarring increased from the first to the second postoperative visit but trended down by the third visit. Nasal crusting was the most common finding, followed by abnormal mucosal healing. Chi square analysis showed smoking to be associated with prolonged time to full mucosalization of the sella. Two patients (2.4%) had post-operative CSF leaks requiring lumbar drain placement.ConclusionAdequate sellar healing is achievable in all cases without formal grafting or reconstruction after TSS. Great care must be exercised given the small inherent risk of unmasking a subclinical intraoperative CSF leak. Patients should be followed closely endoscopically during the first four months after TSS to minimize the impact of crusting.     

Trans-superior meatus endoscopic surgery of sphenoidal sinus and sellar area: a surgical technique for lesion of sellar area

Conclusion. A trans-superior meatus endoscopic approach to treat diseases in the sphenoid sinus and sellar area is a safe, minimally traumatic, and effective method. Objective: To avoid complications, we explored the use of the superior meatus and superior turbinate in the endoscope approach to the sphenoid sinus and sellar area. Patients and methods. This was a retrospective analysis of the curative effect of the trans-superior meatus approach for diseases in the sphenoid sinus and sellar area in 138 cases. Results. All of 138 patients had successful operations and no serious complication occurred. All cases were followed up for a period of 1–3 years. No recurrence was found in 94 patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease (sinusitis, mucoceles, or mycosis). Of 24 patients with pituitary adenoma, 17 patients had entire resection and no recurrence was found. Four patients had subtotal resection and three patients had partial resection with postoperative radiotherapy, and preoperative symptoms were improved. Of 13 cases of cerebrospinal rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus, 12 cases were successfully repaired by a single operation and 1 case was successfully repaired by a repeat operation. Among seven cases with decompression of the optic canal, four had obvious effect, two cases showed improvement, and there was no improvement in one case.     

Lateral sphenoid sinus recess cerebrospinal fluid leak: a case series

The lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus is one of the most common sites of meningocele and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Despite the availability of several techniques for closure of skull base defects occurring in this location, recurrence still poses a major challenge. This report reviews the experience of surgical repair of lateral sphenoid sinus recess CSF leak at a tertiary referral center and provides a brief discussion of this rare lesion. Nine surgeries were performed for six cases of spontaneous lateral sphenoid sinus recess CSF leak (two revisions and one repair of a new defect). Two patients presented with intracranial hypertension (ICH) and four with meningocele or meningoencephalocele. The transpterygoid approach was used in two procedures. A multilayer graft was used in seven cases and a nasoseptal flap in two. Three patients received lumbar or ventricular shunts, and one received acetazolamide for ICH management. Two minor complications were recorded, and the overall surgical success rate was 78 %. We conclude that nasoseptal flaps are a valid option for repair of recurrent CSF leaks, particularly in the lateral sphenoid sinus recess. Furthermore, identification and correction of ICH plays an essential role in the success of treatment in this patient population.     

Endonasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the sphenoid sinus

BACKGROUND: Multiple reports have demonstrated the efficacy of the transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the anterior cranial base. The literature, however, lacks a comprehensive clinical study specifically addressing the transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF leaks of the sphenoid sinus. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the factors that significantly affect the surgical outcome after transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF leaks of the sphenoid sinus. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent an endoscopic transnasal repair of CSF leaks of the sphenoid sinus at our teaching hospitals. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with CSF leaks of the sphenoid sinuses that were repaired by the transnasal endoscopic approach were included in our study. Causes of the CSF leaks included trauma, surgery, neoplasms, and idiopathic causes. Obliteration was the most common technique used to repair the CSF fistulas (used in 15 [58%] of 26 procedures). Grafting materials included banked pericardium, mucosa, turbinate bone, and mucoperichondrium placed by underlay or onlay grafting or abdominal fat used to obliterate the sphenoid sinus. Twenty-two patients were successfully treated on the first attempt. A persistent leak in 2 patients with previously unrecognized high-pressure hydrocephalus was repaired during a second endoscopic surgery, quickly followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunting. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming an adequate repair, other factors such as the cause, the size of the defect, the technique and material used to repair the defect, and perioperative management do not affect the surgical outcome significantly. Untreated high-pressure hydrocephalus can lead to a recurrence or persistence of the leaks and should be suspected in patients with posttraumatic, idiopathic, or recurrent CSF leaks.     

Nasoseptal "rescue" flap: a novel modification of the nasoseptal flap technique for pituitary surgery

Objectives:

The introduction of the pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) has decreased postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates from >20% to <5% during expanded endoscopic skull base surgery. The NSF must be raised at the beginning of the operation to protect the posterior pedicle during the expanded sphenoidotomy. However, in most pituitary tumor cases, an intraoperative CSF leak is not expected but at times encountered. In these cases, a “rescue” flap approach can be used, which consists of partially harvesting the most superior and posterior aspect of the flap to protect its pedicle and provide access to the sphenoid face during the approach. The rescue flap can be fully harvested at the end of the case if the resultant defect is larger than expected, or if an unexpected CSF leak develops. This technique minimized septum donor site morbidity for those patients without intraoperative CSF leaks.

Results:

The rescue flap technique allows for binaural and bimanual access to the sella without compromise of the pedicle during the extended sphenoidotomies and tumor removal. If an intraoperative CSF leak is encountered, the rescue flap is then converted into a normal nasoseptal flap for skull base reconstruction. If no leak is obtained, then the patient does not suffer additional donor site morbidity from the full flap harvest.

Conclusions:

This new technique allows for sellar tumor removal prior to the nasoseptal harvest, thereby eliminating donor site morbidity for those pituitary tumor patients who do not have an intraoperative CSF leak.     

CT仿真内镜对蝶窦三维解剖的显示及在垂体瘤经蝶窦手术的应用

目的 探讨CT仿真内镜(CT virtual endoscopy,CTVE)显示蝶窦三维解剖的情况及在垂体瘤经蝶窦手术中的应用.方法 根据术前CT扫描数据重建蝶窦CTVE图像,并用于指导128例垂体瘤经蝶窦手术的术前计划及术中定位.结果 CTVE能显示蝶窦三维解剖结构,接近术中所见.在128例患者中,通过传输函数(tr...     

Exploration of endonasal endoscopic repair of pediatric cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Objectives

To summarize the clinical manifestations of pediatric cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSFR), discuss the localization of CSFR, and the surgical approaches, the graft material selection and the prognoses of endoscopic repair of CSFR.

Methods

The case data, surgical techniques and graft materials of endonasal endoscopic approach of 43 patients with CSFR who have been treated at the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in the last 13 years were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, leaks in 34 cases were from the roof of the ethmoid sinuses. Other sites included frontal sinus (1), sphenoid sinus (6), and the conjunction of ethmoid and frontal sinuses (2). 37 patients were with unilateral CSF leaks, 6 were with bilateral CSF leaks. The dimensions of the defects ranged between 8 and 22 mm. For 25 cases, the procedure was as follows: first, the wound surrounding the perimeter of the defect was freshened and the leaks were plugged by myoplasm and overlaid with iliac fascia, and followed by the use of fibrin glue and nasal packing; for 5 cases, the procedure was as follows: at first, the wound was curetted and the leaks were intracranially plugged by autologous cartilage and muscle, overlaid with iliac fascia, followed by the use of fibrin glue and nasal packing; for 6 cases, the leaks were overlaid with iliac fascia only, and then fibrin and packing were used. For the rest of 7 cases, the frontal and sphenoid sinuses were filled with muscle.

Results

Of the total 43 cases, 31 had successful closure of the leaks by endonasal endoscopic repair on first attempt; 8 had successful closure of the leaks on second attempt, 3 was cured on third attempt; while, leaks in 2 patients failed to close after three attempts. Therefore, they underwent combined intracranial and transnasal endoscopic repair, one patient was cured and another one died postoperatively because of recurrent intracranial infection. At 12 month to 24 month follow-up 42 children remained leak free.

Conclusion

Endoscopic repair of CSF leaks is the optimum approach to the treatment of pediatric CSFR, featuring minor trauma, high successful rate, fewer complications and advantage of being able to carry out a revision surgery or more if needed. For children who have a large CSF leak in size and have failed to be treated successfully via endonasal endoscopic repair, combined intracranial and endoscopic repair could be performed to close the leak.     

Endoscopic intranasal microsurgery in the management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

The surgical management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea has changed significantly after the introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. It gave the excellent visualization and atraumatic surgical technique in the management of eight cases of cerebrospinal fluid leaks treated in Department of Otolaryngology Medical University of Warsaw. Five of them were grafted with a pedicled middle turbinate mucosal flap. In the next three cases cerebrospinal fluid leaks came from sphenoid sinus and were stopped by free autograft of temporal fascia or abdominal fat. The indications and the advantages of the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks were discussed.     

Endonasal endoscopic treatment of parasellar arachnoid cyst: report of a case

A 40-year-old man presented with intractable headache of 5-year duration and a 1-month history of intermittent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with signal characteristics similar to that of CSF. The patient underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery of the sphenoid sinus and the fistula was reinforced with facia, muscle cartilage, and posterior septal flap while performing cystocisternostomy. The postoperative course was uneventfiul CSF leakage stopped, and headache improved. Postoperative imaging revealed total collapse of the cyst cavity. Based on our findings, endonasal endoscopic treatment of the sellar and parasellar arachnoid cysts, if presenting into the sphenoid sinus, could be an acceptable minimally invasive alternative to the conventional modalities.     

Localization and infliction pattern of iatrogenic skull base defects following endoscopic sinus surgery at a teaching hospital

Objective

Aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, infliction patterns and management of dural injuries with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea following endoscopic sinus surgery at a teaching hospital. We present our results of over 14 years of experience from endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea with long-term follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by screening 14 years of sinus surgeries for iatrogenically inflicted CSF leaks of the anterior skull base. Obtained data were analyzed to determine the infliction pattern and location of CSF leaks, surgical closure techniques and outcomes. All incidences were further evaluated with regards to the surgeons training status.

Results

144 patients out of 6908 sinus surgeries were diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea and underwent subsequent surgical repair. 52 patients had iatrogenic CSF leaks with 32 of the defects inflicted by the department's physician personnel. Average follow-up was 62 months, with a range of 10–168 months. The side distribution was 56.3% to the patient's right side and in 40.6% to the patient's left side. 68.7% became apparent during the initial surgery whereas 31.3% only after surgery. The most common defect location was the anterior ethmoid at the attachment of the medial concha base with 43.7%, followed by the junction between the ethmoid and sphenoid sinus with 21.9%, the frontal sinus aditus with 18.7% and the medial ethmoid region with 9.4%. With increasing training status, surgeons were more prone to cause defects at the frontal sinus aditus whereas surgeons with lesser training status caused more defects at the anterior ethmoid at the medial concha base. The posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinus was equally prone to defects over all stages of surgical training. Initial endoscopic repair was successful in 87.5% of patients and 95% after revision surgery.

Conclusion

The obtained data confirm the safety of the endonasal sinus surgery according to Wigand's technique. The incidence of iatrogenic CSF leaks at a teaching hospital is not higher than at specialized rhinology departments. We observed a distinct pattern of inflicted skull base defects with different hot-spot areas, prone to damage in various stages of the surgeon's status of expertise.     

Securing the position of the nasoseptal flap in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: No need for a Foley catheter (technical report)

BackgroundThe pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap is currently widely used for the reconstruction of a skull base defect following transsphenoidal surgery. The flap is generally secured in position by a Foley catheter balloon. We describe an alternative technique using cylinders of Gelfoam™ (Pfizer Incorporated) to buttress the flap in place, obviating the need for a balloon catheter.Material and methodsA review of our database identified patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary macroadenoma with nasoseptal flap, secured with small rolls of Gelfoam™ (Pfizer Incorporated) rather than a nasal Foley catheter. Minimum follow-up clinical and MRI assessments: 3 months.Results73 patients (mean follow-up: 22 months) met the inclusion criteria: 56 non-functioning and 17 functioning pituitary adenomas. 36 patients had an intraoperative CSF leak: 30 high flow and 6 low flow leaks. The surgical repair in 35 patients included fat +/− fascia graft. One patient had a post-operative CSF leak repaired by subsequent surgery without the use of a Foley catheter.ConclusionSecuring the nasoseptal flap using rolls of Gelfoam™ (Pfizer Incorporated) as described can be achieved without the use of a nasal Foley catheter.     

Recurrent meningitis in a child secondary to a parasellar arachnoid cyst: A case report

We report a case of recurrent pneumoccal meningitis in an 8-year-old boy with an underlying congenital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula of the sphenoid sinus associated with a large parasellar arachnoid cyst. High resolution computed tomography (CT) scan showed no obvious skull base defects. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a large parasellar arachnoid cyst. He underwent obliteration of the right sphenoid sinus via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Conclusion: Recurrent bacterial meningitis requires needs to be fully investigated with CT scan and MRI of the brain and skull base. Repair of these skull base defects are mandatory.     

Endoscopic management of sphenoid sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks

OBJECTIVES: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks that originate within the sphenoid sinus pose a unique surgical challenge due to difficulties with access and visualization The objective of this report is to illustrate concepts for the successful management of sphenoid sinus CSF leaks. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis was performed on 9 patients who presented to a tertiary care medical center for endoscopic repair of a sphenoid sinus CSF leak from January 2002 to January 2006. RESULTS: The patient cohort included 7 women and 2 men with a mean age of 51.7 years. In 5 cases the CSF leak was caused by a previous neurosurgical procedure; the other 4 cases were idiopathic. An endoscopic pterygomaxillary fossa approach was required in 4 cases. A layered reconstruction of the sphenoid sinus wall with collagen allografts (cadaveric acellular dermal allograft, 8 patients; bovine collagen membrane, 1 patient) and mucosa under endoscopic visualization with intraoperative surgical navigation was performed in all cases. The reconstruction was buttressed with autologous bone in 2 cases and with cartilage in 2 cases. Fibrin sealant was used in 7 cases. Two patients developed transient diabetes insipidus after the repair. Two patients developed a recurrent CSF leak necessitating revision repair 2 and 15 months, respectively, after the initial repair procedure. The average hospital stay was 6.5 days. The mean length of follow-up was 21.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that minimally invasive endoscopic repair of sphenoid sinus CSF leaks may be accomplished with an acceptable rate of morbidity and excellent outcomes. Extended endoscopic approaches, including the pterygomaxillary fossa approach, may be useful in selected instances.     

The use of fibrin glue for the repair of experimental csf rhinorrhea

Surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea requires the production of a seal able to resist cerebrospinal fluid pressure during the period of healing. Direct suturing, packing with muscle and fat grafts, and coverage with mucosal or muscle flaps have been effective in repairing most CSF leaks. Fibrin glue may enhance the results of a CSF leak repair by providing better adhesion of the graft and improving the initial seal during healing. A study was performed on 36 rats to assess the effectiveness of fibrin glue in repairing experimentally produced CSF leaks. CSF rhinorrhea was produced by creating a defect in the anterior cranial fossa through the region of the cribriform plate. There were four treatment groups: 1. no treatment control; 2. fibrin adhesive alone; 3. muscle packing alone; and 4. fibrin glue with muscle packing. The CSF leaks were evaluated 3 weeks after operation. Persistent CSF leakage was noted in 89% of group 1, 55% of group 2, 33% of group 3, and 22% of group 4. The reduced CSF leakage in the muscle plus fibrin glue group suggests that fibrin glue, by its adhesive sealing properties, enhances the results of muscle packing alone for the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.     

Endonasal endoscopic repair of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks

OBJECTIVE: To analyze possible etiological factors of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and to assess the outcomes of endonasal endoscopic repair. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Academic neurosurgical hospital.Patients Twenty-one consecutive patients who presented with spontaneous CSF leak and underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery from January 1999 through December 2001. INTERVENTION: Preoperative examination included computed tomographic scans; nasal endoscopy; measurement of glucose concentration in the nasal discharge; and, in some cases, cisternographic evaluations via computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Telescopes, conventional endoscopic sinus surgery instruments, and a microdebrider were used for all patients who underwent endonasal surgery. A combination of plastic materials, ie, abdominal fat, fascia lata, rotated middle turbinate flaps, and fibrin glue, were used for fistula repair. RESULTS: At the time of surgery, CSF fistulas were found in the cribriform plate (6 patients), in the fovea ethmoidalis (6 patients), and in the sphenoid sinus (9 patients). In 5 of the 6 patients who had an extremely pneumatized sphenoid sinus, the source of the leak was located in the lateral extension of the sinus. A meningocele protruding through the bone defect was the source of the leak in 10 patients. Postoperative follow-up lasted from 9 to 42 months, and 20 patients were considered cured. There was only 1 recurrence, in a patient whose CSF rhinorrhea originated in the deep lateral recess of an overpneumatized sphenoid sinus. Thus, the overall success rate was 95.2%. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Possible etiological factors of this disease include obesity, congenital malformations of the skull base, an overpneumatized sphenoid sinus (particularly in its lateral extensions), and the empty sella syndrome. Endoscopic endonasal repair of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea appears to be a safe and successful procedure. However, techniques for endoscopic closure of CSF fistulas in the lateral part of the sphenoid sinus need further perfecting.     

鼻内镜下扩大的经鼻腔蝶窦入路治疗鞍周病变的解剖研究和临床应用

目的：通过扩大的经鼻腔蝶窦人路的内镜解剖学研究和初步临床应用,为扩大的经鼻腔蝶窦手术适应证及范围提供理论依据。方法：在4具(8侧)已经染料动脉灌注的成人尸头上模拟扩大经鼻腔蝶窦手术入路,同时测量海绵窦旁重要结构与鞍底的距离。结果：根据蝶窦后壁的骨性结构特征将蝶窦腔分为1个中间腔、2个旁中间腔及2个外侧腔。扩大经蝶手术入路可清晰显示鞍底骨膜、硬脑膜外层、海绵窦内侧壁、海绵窦内颈内动脉及其分支血管、动眼神经、滑车神经、外展神经及眼神经等结构;打开蝶骨平台可显示视神经、视交叉、垂体柄、鞍隔及视丘下部等解剖结构。临床初步用于治疗1例巨大侵入海绵窦的生长激素型垂体腺瘤患者,取得了较好的手术效果。结论：内镜扩大经鼻腔蝶窦手术入路可清晰显露蝶鞍周围的解剖结构,适用于鞍旁、鞍上病变的手术治疗,但应熟练掌握内镜鞍周解剖学及熟练的经鼻腔蝶窦手术经验。