Microscopic endonasal access in pituitary surgery for tumour removal: eight-year review of nasal complications

leaks or meningitis. Unfortu nately, one patient succumbed from the con sequences of internal carotid artery damage. Conclusion Nasal complication rates from this method were low. A microscope can be successfully used in an endonasal approach to the sella on its own. It can also be a useful adjunct to the endoscope and this skill should not be forgotten by ear, nose and throat surgeons and neurosurgeons. It ap pears that the method of approaching the sella (transnasal vs trans-septal) rather than the instrument used helps to determine the rate of nasal