Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach in the Treatment of Optic Chiasm Gliomas – a Review of the Literature
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Optic chiasm gliomas are rare tumors, commonly found in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and rarely in adults. Traditional transcranial approaches are associated with a high risk of neurological damage and deterioration of visual function. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) offers a direct, non-retraction corridor to the ventral surface of the chiasm. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed from May 2020 to May 2025, including 14 publications. EETA resulted in stabilization or improvement of vision in over 75% of cases, with a cerebrospinal fluid leakage rate of less than 5% when using a vascularized nasal septal flap. In patients with residual tumor tissue, adjuvant therapy provided disease control up to 12 months after therapy. With careful selection and a multidisciplinary team, EETA is a safe and effective alternative to transsphenoidal techniques for optic chiasm gliomas.
Authors: Bechev K., Markov D., Aleksiev V.
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7159597564
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