Reconstruction of the pituitary fossa in transsphenoidal surgery: an experience of 140 cases.

ABSTRACT

Even though the main problems of transsphenoidal surgery are encountered during the intra- and suprasellar portions of the operation, proper reconstruction of the sella turcica plays an important role in the overall results, greatly influencing the final outcome. Improper measures may bring about a complicated postoperative course, whereas a wise and precise method allows one to control any surgical condition, preventing the more dangerous consequences of the transsphenoidal approach (i.e., empty sella, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hemorrhage, infection, etc.). The authors review the different methods of sellar plugging and, on the basis of their own experience, indicate the most suitable one for each of the more usual situations. A good result is achievable if only natural materials are used and one avoids synthetic prostheses. Extradural packing is the technique of choice whenever a hermetic closure and a particularly effective intrasellar plug are required.