Direct Endonasal Approach with Partial Upper Posterior SeptectomyA Rescue Flap Technique Modification

Abstract

Objective?Report a modification of the rescue flap technique using a direct endonasal approach with a partial superior septectomy for approaching pituitary tumors developed in our institution. Design?Prospective study. Setting?Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Main Outcome Measures?Since April 2015, we have performed 19 cases employing a direct endonasal approach with partial superior septectomy. Results and a technical note are described below. Results?Nineteen patients were included in this report. Six patients presented transoperatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, so a nasoseptal rescue flap was harvested. No patients developed postoperative CSF leak in this group. Two patients were submitted to a second surgical procedure. Nasoseptal flap was harvested without complications. In both patients, the size of the flap was enough to cover the dural defect and avoid CSF leak. Conclusion?Direct endonasal approach with a partial posterior septectomy allows enough exposition of the sphenoidal sinus while preserving the nasoseptal septum with the possibility of a successful rescue flap when needed.