Anatomical Variations of Sphenoid Sinus in South Indian Population: All That You Need for Trans-Sphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Pituitary adenomas are one among the most common neurosurgical tumors with an incidence of 10–25% among intracranial neoplasms (Ezzat et al., Cancer 101:613–619, 2004). Surgical management for the same has been practiced since long, and has evolved from trans cranial approach to endoscopic trans sphenoidal method (Hammer and Radberg, Acta Radiol 56:401–422, 1961). Preoperative radiological analysis with CT &MRI is inevitable in planning endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery to avoid complications because of the high variability concerned with sphenoid anatomy. The present study intends to analyze the incidence of various anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus in a cohort of south Indian population as detected by CT& MRI and assess its impact on surgical approach. Retrospective analysis of CT&MRI images of patients who underwent Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors at JSS Hospital Mysuru from a period of 2009 to 2020 is done. Anatomical variations of sphenoid sinus esp. degree of pneumatization, sellar configuration, septation pattern, inter carotid distance were evaluated. Results were significant and in concordance with other similar studies. Most frequently encountered pnuematization was sellar type and least was conchal type Sphenoid sinus pneumatization is directly linked to safe access to sella. Presence of septae within sinus need to be identified preoperatively to avoid damage and confusion intraoperatively. A meticulous preoperative analysis of sphenoid sinus anatomy will help surgeon in smooth conduct of a complication free surgery.