OBJECTIVETo assess the role of neuronavigation in assisting endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

METHODSTen endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal reoperations for pituitary adenomas were selected. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. Five of 10 patients had gigantic adenoma, 3 microadenoma, 2 large adenoma.

RESULTSThe mean setup time was 5 minutes, and the operative time was 50 minutes in image-guided procedures. In all cases, the system worked well without malfunction. Continuous information regarding instrument location and trajectory was provided to the surgeon. Measurements of intraoperative accuracy in the axial, coronal, and.sagittal planes indicated a mean verified system error of 1.5 mm. for pituitary adenomas. After operation, the symptoms relieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONSNeuronavigation can be applied during endonasal transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery and requires a minimal amount of time. It makes reoperation easier, faster, and safer.

Adult ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Hypophysectomy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Sphenoid Sinus ; surgery ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted