Transnasal Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery - the Effect of Posterior Nasal Septum Resection on Nasal Functions

The nasal cavity is used to heat, humidify and purify the air before entering other parts of the respiratory system. Other functions of the nose include in particular olfactory, immune, reflex or sexual functions.

Proper airflow through the nasal cavity is essential for all nasal functions; anatomical or flow changes can significantly affect nasal functions.

Endoscopic transnasal surgical approaches are modern, mini-invasive methods, enabling solution of pathologies in the area of the cranial base, through the nasal cavity. The advantage of this technique is absence of external incisions and scars and significantly better cosmetic effect, these methods also offer very good clarity and illumination of the operating field. Main disadvantage is risk of affecting functions of the nose.

To create a transnasal approach to skull base, it is necessary to perform lateralization of middle turbinates, resection of anterior wall of sphenoidal sinus and resection of posterior part of the nasal septum. These interventions are necessary for a good overview and manipulation in the operated area; however, they can lead to postoperative changes in the physiological functions of the nasal cavity, especially loss of smell, taste, altered airflow through the nasal cavity, mucociliary transport disorders, nasal obstruction, crusting or drying mucous membrane. All these adverse changes significantly affect patient's quality of life.

Larger extent of septal resection allows the surgeon to have a better overview and manoeuvrability in the operated area, which allows sufficient radicality and allows the solution of possible complications. On the other hand, greater resection also means greater interference with the anatomy of the nasal cavity and possible influence on nasal functions.