Endonasal Endoscopic Approach to Sphenoid Sinus Lesion

Abstract

Background: Anatomical position of sphenoid sinus, sellar and parasellar regions are located in the skull base having difficulty to approach due to presence of vital structures in its proximity. The presence of carotid artery and optic nerve in its lateral wall make the situation difficult due to lack of illumination and visual limitation. In the past traditional techniques to approach this region like external ethmoidectomy, transseptal transsphenoidal routes were used causing significant trauma, bleeding and risk of possible complication in skull base region. Aim: to access the efficacy and safety of the endonasal endoscopic approach to the sphenoid sinus Method: This study was done in the department of ENT Shaikh Zayed hospital Lahore, 33 patients who were diagnosed to have lesions involving sphenoid sinus. Detailed history, thorough ENT examination, relative investigations were done and all were managed naso-endoscopically. Results: The review of these cases showed that the endoscopic technique was found to have the advantages of being minimally invasive with no external incisions. There is less trauma to the patient, no need for operating microscope or intraoperative image intensifier. Conclusion: The conclusion of our study showed that naso-endoscopes are excellent tools for better visualization due to availability of different angled scopes and good illumination. The disease is better assessed and cleared identifying landmarks with quicker postoperative recovery and lesser overall morbidity. Over the last few years, endoscopic approach to these regions has gained much popularity because of advances in optics, endoscopes and illumination. Keywords: Endoscopic sinus surgery, sphenoid sinus