Neurosurgery Technical Procedure: Surgeon’s Position during Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery

Abstract

The surgeon’s position in relation to the patient has been modified throughout the years for transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Nowadays, if a microscopic approach is used, most centers place the surgeon at the side of the patient’s head with the patient facing him. In this paper, we propose a more ergonomic and time-proven setup for this type of surgery. Since the early 1980s, our neurosurgical section has been using an approach where the surgeon stands behind the patient’s head with the microscope tower on the surgeon’s back. This position is rarely mentioned in the literature. We want to refresh this position for those who still use the microscope and those young neurosurgeons and residents who do most of their work endoscopically. We consider that when the surgeon is standing behind the patient’s head, it is more comfortable for the surgeon. Also, it allows for the assistant to be close enough to help during the surgery. This technical note may bring new ideas for those using the microscopic TSS.