METHODS: The 23 patients who were operated on at the Neurosurgery Department of Şişli Etfal Hospital, İstanbul between January 1993 and January 2003 were evaluated in this study.

RESULTS: Total tumor excision 22 (96%) of the was achieved in patients. The tumor recurred in one patient because of subtotal excision due to vascular involvement. There was no mortality in this series. When visual acuity and visual fields were evaluated together; these returned to normal in 8 cases (34.7%), there was improvement in 11 cases (47.9%), and they remained the same in 3(13.1%) cases, worsening in 1(4.3%) case. Only one patient had an endocrine abnormality on preoperative evaluation. Temporary diabetes insipitus was seen in 4(17%) patients but all completely recovered within an average of four days. In one patient (4.3%) hypopituitarism developed, and permanent hormonal replacementy therapy was initiated by the endocrinologist.

CONCLUSION: The treatment of tuberculum sellae meningiomas with right unilateral pterional approach is an effective method providing total tumor excision with a low complication rate. Anahtar Kelimeler : Tuberculum sellae meningiomas, unilateral pterional microsurgical approach, visual results, endocrine function.