Endoscopic Page
The endoscope provides an unmatched panoramic view of the operative field and the ability to inspect for tumor in locations previously out of view to the surgeon. Currently the endoscope is used in over half of the nearly 250 transsphenoidal surgeries performed annually at UVA. Although the transsphenoidal approach itself is truly the minimally invasive part of the procedure, the endoscope adds significant advantages to the approach. The approach does require two surgeons, one who drives the endoscope and another to remove the tumor. Patients typically do not need nasal packing after surgery. This allows patients to breath through their noses postoperatively and significantly reduces the amount of postoperative pain.