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The expanded endonasal approach (EEA) is used sparingly by surgeons for resection of lesions in the ventrocranial base. Herein, we examined the anatomy of the ventrocranial base by endoscopy and comment on the use of EEA in clinical practice.Twenty artery-injected adult cadaveric heads were studied under surgical conditions using the endoscopic EEA. The extent of the surgical exposure, the endoscopic anatomic view and the maneuverability of surgical instruments about the suprasellar region were studied by the endoscopic EEA.The EEA by endoscope can reach the suprasellar region. In this approach, the optocarotid recess, supra and infra-optic chiasm interspace, the ophthalmic artery and others were important anatomical landmarks for identification of the suprasellar region.The endoscopic EEA can be used to remove many types of lesions in the ventrocranial base. The microanatomy observed using the endoscope provides important anatomical information on the suprasellar region for neurosurgeons.

In this present study, we reviewed our management of seven patients by an extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to resect tuberculum sellae meningiomas. All surgery was performed using pure endoscopy and a neuronavigation system. In six patients, total resection of the tumor was accomplished; one patient had subtotal tumor removal. Post-operatively, visual function was improved in six patients, and was unchanged in one patient. There was asymptomatic tumor recurrence on MRI during the follow-up period in the patient in whom a subtotal resection had been performed. This preliminary report suggests that an extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is an effective, minimally invasive approach for small and medium-sized tuberculum sellae meningiomas located in the midline. However, this approach should be limited to an experienced and coordinated endoneurosurgical team.