Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Sphenoid Sinus

Abstract

Surgical treatment of sphenoid pathology can be safely and successfully performed through a variety of approaches.

Evaluation and treatment of isolated sphenoid sinus diseases

“…This approach is ideal in accessing the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, especially far-lateral pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, an anatomical variant seen in approximately 22-40% of individuals [23][24][25]. This approach is very useful in resecting sinonasal tumour involving the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and repairing spontaneous or congenital meningoencephaloceles of the Sternberg's canal from this region.…”

Isolated sphenoid sinus diseases: report of 76 cases

“…In suspected neoplastic diseases, endoscopic sinus surgery provides an easier and less traumatic approach to the sphenoid sinus for early histological diagnosis and treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid leak, direct injury to the brain or cranial nerves, major bleeding from the internal carotid artery or cavernous sinus can be induced by endoscopic surgery [20]. However, no severe complications were encountered in our series.…”

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease: differential diagnosis and management

“…Whilst the first-line treatment of incidental or uncomplicated acute sphenoid sinusitis is medical [9], the treatment of chronic or sphenoid sinusitis with complications is via endoscopic drainage and widening of the sphenoid ostium. Whilst an isolated sphenoid sinusitis can be drained without an ethmoidectomy [10], involvement of the posterior ethmoid sinuses will necessitate a complete sphenoethmoidectomy [14].…”