New endoscope shaft for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new endoscope shaft developed for suction-aspiration during endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: A custom-made shaft for a Wolf endoscope (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) was developed with a height of 10 mm and a width of 5 mm, allowing an additional working channel for the endoscope for flexible suction tubes with a diameter of up to 10-French. RESULTS: The new shaft was used in 30 consecutive endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures for pituitary adenomas. It allowed true bimanual manipulation without having to fixate the endoscope. Tumor removal was facilitated, technical problems were not encountered, and operation time was reduced. There were no instrumentation-related complications. CONCLUSION: The new shaft improves the ergonomics of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in cases in which the endoscope is handheld.