Diode Laser Assisted Minimal Invasive Sphenoidotomy for Endoscopic Transphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Our Technique and Results

Background and ObjectiveDuring endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), intra-operative bleeding can significantly compromise visualization of the surgical field. The diode laser that provides good hemostatic and vaporization effects and excellent photocoagulation has been successfully applied in endoscopic surgery with several advantages. The current retrospective study demonstrates the feasibility of diode laser-combined endoscopic sinus surgery on sphenoidotomy. Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe patients who went through endoscopic transphenoidal pituitary surgery were enrolled. During the operation, the quality of the surgical field was assessed and graded by the operating surgeon using the scale proposed by Boezaart. ResultsThe mean operation time was 37.8010.90 minutes. The mean score on the quality of surgical field was 1.95. A positive correlation between the lower surgical field quality score and the shorter surgical time was found with statistical significance (P<0.0001). No infections, hemorrhages, or other complications occurred intra- or post-operatively. ConclusionThe diode laser-assisted sphenoidotomy is a reliable and safe approach of pituitary gland surgery with minimal invasiveness. It is found that application of diode laser significantly improved quality of surgical field and shortened operation time. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:239-242, 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.