Morphometric analysis of transsphenoidal surgery in Peruvian population

Abstract

Background: Transsphenoidal surgery has become a key element in the approach to skull base pathologies. The objective of the study was to explore the morphometry of the sphenoidal region in the Peruvian population, with an emphasis on understanding its specific anatomical characteristics and providing quantitative data for the planning of transsphenoidal surgery.

Methods: A cross-sectional study included a random sample of 81 cases of healthy individuals who presented to the Radiology Department of a Private Hospital Center in Peru over 1 year. Skull computed tomography scans without contrast were performed, and a detailed morphometric analysis was conducted by an expert neurosurgeon, including measurements of four parameters to evaluate the anatomy of the craniofacial region.

Results: Most participants exhibited complete sellar pneumatization, followed by incomplete sellar pneumatization, while conchal pneumatization was rare. Significant differences were found between men and women in the distance from the nasal opening to the dorsum of the sella turcica. No significant gender differences were observed in other anatomical measurements or significant changes with age in anatomical measurements.

Conclusion: Morphometric analysis provides crucial data for the precise customization of surgical interventions in the Peruvian population, especially in transsphenoidal surgery. The results highlight the importance of considering individual anatomical differences and gender variability during surgical planning. Morphometry emerges as a valuable tool to enhance the quality and safety of transsphenoidal surgery by adapting surgical strategies to the specific anatomical dimensions of each patient.

Keywords: Anatomical measurements; Morphometry; Sellar anatomy; Sphenoidal pneumatisation; Transsphenoidal surgery.

Figure 1:

Types of pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus in the Peruvian population. (a) Conchal pneumatization, (b) complete sellar pneumatization, and (c) incomplete sellar pneumatization.

Figure 2:

Measurements of the sphenoid sinus in the Peruvian population. (a) The dashed red line measured the distance from the nasal opening to the sphenoid sinus. The blue line measured the distance between the anterior and posterior borders of the sphenoid sinus. (b) The dashed blue line measures the distance from the anterior skull base to the sphenoid ostium, and the dashed red line measures the distance from the floor of the sphenoid sinus to the sphenoid ostium.