Different distances related to the nasal transphenoidal approach were measured on the hemiheads of eighteen cadavers in order to study its limits and advantages. The main mean measures obtained (mm) were: major diameter of the nostril 15.18; height of the nasal cavity 44.11; nostril-sella turcica distance 71.71. These results show that the nasal approach is wide and direct to the sella turcica. The present study demonstrate the possibility of preservation of the cartilaginous septum and other structures which are usually damaged when the sublabial approach is employed.
surgical anatomy; nasal transphenoidal approach; pituitary gland