Understanding Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

How to say it

EHN-doh-skah-pihk EHN-doh-nay-zuhl

Why endoscopic endonasal surgery is done

This kind of surgery may be done to:

• Remove a tumor or other growth in the pituitary gland, sinuses, or brain.

• Stop leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the area.

• Treat an infection that won’t go away.

• Treat problems affecting the optic nerve.

• Repair a problem with blood vessels in the brain (called arteriovenous malformation).

How endoscopic endonasal surgery is done

Surgery is done in a hospital and may take several hours. During the procedure:

• You'll lie on a table. You'll be given medicine (anesthesia) that lets you sleep through the procedure.

• The surgeon puts an endoscope into your nose and sinuses. The narrow scope fits through natural gaps in these areas. The camera sends images to a computer screen.

• The surgeon will also put small tools through your nose. This is often done through the same nostril as the endoscope. They'll use the tools to remove a tumor or treat the problem area as needed. The surgeon may remove or cut other tissue or parts of bone on the underside of the skull.

• When the surgery is done, they'll remove the tools and endoscope. They may then fill your nose and sinuses with nasal packing. This material will be removed in 1 to 2 days. You’ll be in the hospital one or more nights after surgery.

A newer technique offers 3-D viewing to give the surgeon a better understanding of the space and what they are seeing on a computer screen.

Risks of endoscopic endonasal surgery

The risks of endoscopic endonasal surgery include:

• Poor healing of the surgery site.

• CSF leaking from the nose.

• Air getting trapped inside the head (pneumocephalus).

• Excess bleeding.

• Blood clot in the head.

• Infection inside the head, including the covering of the brain and spinal cord.

• Damage to blood vessels and nerves in the area.

• Pain.

• Crusting of the inside of the nose and sinuses that lasts for weeks or months.

• Trouble breathing through the nose.

• Reaction to anesthesia.