Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (948 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
One of the paired air spaces located in the body of the sphenoid bone behind the ethmoid bone in the middle of the skull. Sphenoid sinus communicates with the posterosuperior part of nasal cavity on the same side.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Sinus, Sphenoid.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Paranasal Sinuses
Related concepts
- Sphenoid Bone
- Ethmoid Bone
- Nasal Cavity
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 3,894 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Sphenoid Sinus” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 446 of them (11.5%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 1,541 records.
Reviews account for 322 records (8.3%) and meta-analyses for 9. Randomized controlled trials number 7 (0.2%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 1,541 |
| 2000-2009 | 881 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,026 |
| 2020 onward | 446 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 322 | 8.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 9 | 0.2% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 7 | 0.2% |
Method: PubMed query "Sphenoid Sinus"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery: a meta-analysis | 2014 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 121 | cc by PMID 24721812 · DOI · PMC3991865 |
| Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery of 1,166 pituitary adenomas | 2015 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 89 | cc by PMID 25270611 · DOI · PMC4422857 |
| The sphenoid sinus, foramen rotundum and vidian canal: a radiological study of anatomical relationships | 2017 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 29 | cc by PMID 27283380 · DOI · PMC9442688 |
| Isolated sphenoid sinus foreign body following slingshot injury: a case report | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42265716 · DOI · PMC13471584 |
Endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery: a meta-analysis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundEndoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has gradually come to be regarded as a preferred option in the treatment of pituitary adenomas because of its advantages of improved visualization and its minimal invasiveness.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is safer and more effective than microscopic surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (223 words)
BackgroundEndoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has gradually come to be regarded as a preferred option in the treatment of pituitary adenomas because of its advantages of improved visualization and its minimal invasiveness. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the outcomes and complications of endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science between January 1992 and May 2013. Studies with consecutive patients that explicitly and fully compared endoscopic and microscopic approaches in the treatment of pituitary adenomas were included.ResultsA total of 15 studies (n = 1,014 patients) met the inclusion criteria among 487 studies that involved endoscopic surgery and 527 studies that dealt with microscopic surgery. The rate of gross tumor removal was higher in the endoscopic group than in the microscopic group. The post-operative rates of septal perforation were less frequent in patients who underwent endoscopic surgery. There was no significant difference between the two techniques in the incidence rates of meningitis, diabetes insipidus, cerebrospinal fluid leak, epistaxis or hypopituitarism. The post-operative hospital stay was significantly shorter for the endoscopic surgery group compared with the microscopic surgery group (P 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is safer and more effective than microscopic surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 24721812 · DOI · PMC3991865
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery of 1,166 pituitary adenomas [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- AimTo report the results of a series of patients undergoing pure endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure.
- Closing excerpt
- For patients with functional adenomas, while hormonal remission is unlikely to be achieved by surgery, the use of adjuvant therapy is advocated to obtain long-term hormonal control.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (252 words)
AimTo report the results of a series of patients undergoing pure endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure.Materials and methodsThe data of 1,166 patients that underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal adenoma removal between December 2006 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative hormonal status (3 months after surgery) were analyzed and compared with the clinical parameters originally presented by the patients. The incidences of tumor removal, hormonal control, and tumor removal complications were retrospectively analyzed.ResultOut of 577 nonfunctioning adenomas, 180 were growth hormone (GH) secreting, 308 prolactin (PRL) secreting, 26 mixed GH/PRL adenomas, 68 adrenocorticotropin secreting, and 7 thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting adenomas. The gross total removal of pituitary adenomas was achieved in 98 % of microadenomas, 92 % of macroadenomas, and 76 % of giant adenomas. Hormonal control was achieved in 47 (69 %) cases of ACTH adenomas, 119 (66 %) GH adenomas, 262 (85 %) PRL adenomas, and 6 (86 %) TSH adenomas. Postoperative complications were observed in 168 (14.4 %) patients. The most frequent complications were diabetes insipidus (7 %), epistaxis (1.7 %), hyposmia (1.5 %), anterior lobe insufficiency (1.3 %) ,and CSF leaks (0.6 %).ConclusionThe pure endoscopic approach is a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive technique for the removal of pituitary adenomas. A higher gross total resection rate is vital for non-functional and functional adenomas. For patients with functional adenomas, while hormonal remission is unlikely to be achieved by surgery, the use of adjuvant therapy is advocated to obtain long-term hormonal control.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 25270611 · DOI · PMC4422857
The sphenoid sinus, foramen rotundum and vidian canal: a radiological study of anatomical relationships [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionThe sphenoid sinus is an important structure in ventral skull base surgeries that is surrounded by several vital anatomical structures including the internal carotid arteries, optic nerve and cranial nerves inside the cavernous sinus.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionThe results of this study can be used to provide a better anatomical understanding of the area, which is necessary for endoscopic skull base surgeons.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (285 words)
IntroductionThe sphenoid sinus is an important structure in ventral skull base surgeries that is surrounded by several vital anatomical structures including the internal carotid arteries, optic nerve and cranial nerves inside the cavernous sinus. In addition, the foramen rotundum is a small canal deeply situated in the base of the skull, which represents the way for exit of the maxillary nerve. Understanding of the sphenoid bone anatomical relationships is central to the expanded endonasal approaches to the skull base.ObjectiveTo record and analyze the measurement indexes of the sphenoid sinus and foramen rotundum in the coronal plane of normal computer tomography scans.MethodsPatients underwent paranasal sinuses computer tomography scan from June 2014 to November 2015 were retrospectively entered this cross-sectional study. We obtained several morphometric measurements from both the right and left sides using computer software. We also classified foramen rotundum and vidian canal types and determined position of the foramen rotundum regarding to base of lateral pterygoid plate.ResultsOne-hundred patients with the mean age of 38.56±18.51 years entered this study. Mean bilateral FR distances were 38.48±3.87mm. Average right and left FRs distances to midline were 19.00±2.07 and 19.34±2.17mm, respectively (p=0.03). Twenty-eight cases (28%) had type I vidian canal, 48% and 24% had type II and III vidian canals, respectively. Four patients (4%) had type I rotundum foramen, 28% and 44% had type IIa and IIb, respectively and 24% had type III rotundum foramen. The position of foramen rotundums regarding to the base of lateral pterygoid plate was online in 50% of cases, medially placed in 47% and laterally placed in 3% of cases.ConclusionThe results of this study can be used to provide a better anatomical understanding of the area, which is necessary for endoscopic skull base surgeons.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 27283380 · DOI · PMC9442688
Isolated sphenoid sinus foreign body following slingshot injury: a case report [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundImpaction of foreign bodies within the paranasal sinuses secondary to slingshot projectiles is uncommon, with only three documented case reports within the literature.
- Closing excerpt
- It underscores the ophthalmic rationale and benefits of primary repair of a globe perforation in the setting of NPL vision, as well as the novel endoscopic techniques employed to achieve minimally invasive foreign body retrieval.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (188 words)
BackgroundImpaction of foreign bodies within the paranasal sinuses secondary to slingshot projectiles is uncommon, with only three documented case reports within the literature. There are no clear guidelines for the management of these injuries, and given the heterogeneity of their presentations, various methods of foreign body extraction have been employed, ranging from enucleation of the affected eye to transnasal endoscopic approaches.Case presentationThis case report describes the presentation and successful management of a 36-year-old male with a ruptured left globe and no perception of light (NPL) visual acuity secondary to a slingshot projectile. CT imaging of the head and orbits revealed a 17 mm-diameter metallic foreign body impacted solely within the sphenoid sinus. A review of the literature confirmed this to be the first reported case of an isolated sphenoid sinus foreign body secondary to a slingshot projectile mechanism.ConclusionsThis report highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex sino-orbital foreign body injuries. It underscores the ophthalmic rationale and benefits of primary repair of a globe perforation in the setting of NPL vision, as well as the novel endoscopic techniques employed to achieve minimally invasive foreign body retrieval.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42265716 · DOI · PMC13471584
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Expanded endonasal approach: the rostrocaudal axis. Part I. Crista galli to the sella turcica [5]
- Research article Extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the midline skull base: the evolving role of transsphenoidal surgery [6]
- Research article Risk factors for postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis after expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery [7]
- Research article Long-term study of endonasal duraplasty and review of the literature [8]
- Research article Contemporary surgical treatment of epistaxis. What is the evidence for sphenopalatine artery ligation? [9]
- Research article The role of the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach in pediatric neurosurgery [10]
References
- Gao Y, Zhong C, Wang Y, Xu S, Guo Y, Dai C, et al.. Endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery: a meta-analysis. . 2014. PMID 24721812 · DOI · PMC3991865
- Wang F, Zhou T, Wei S, Meng X, Zhang J, Hou Y, et al.. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery of 1,166 pituitary adenomas. . 2015. PMID 25270611 · DOI · PMC4422857
- Mohebbi A, Rajaeih S, Safdarian M, Omidian P. The sphenoid sinus, foramen rotundum and vidian canal: a radiological study of anatomical relationships. . 2017. PMID 27283380 · DOI · PMC9442688
- Luu B, Mooney C, Dhepnorrarat RC, Gounder P. Isolated sphenoid sinus foreign body following slingshot injury: a case report. . 2026. PMID 42265716 · DOI · PMC13471584
- Kassam A, Snyderman CH, Mintz A, Gardner P, Carrau RL. Expanded endonasal approach: the rostrocaudal axis. Part I. Crista galli to the sella turcica. Neurosurg Focus. 2005. PMID 16078817 · DOI
- Cappabianca P, Cavallo LM, Esposito F, De Divitiis O, Messina A, De Divitiis E. Extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the midline skull base: the evolving role of transsphenoidal surgery. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg. 2008. PMID 18383814 · DOI
- Ivan ME, Iorgulescu JB, El-Sayed I, McDermott MW, Parsa AT, Pletcher SD, et al.. Risk factors for postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis after expanded endoscopic endonasal surgery. J Clin Neurosci. 2015. PMID 25439754 · DOI
- Schick B, Ibing R, Brors D, Draf W. Long-term study of endonasal duraplasty and review of the literature. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2001. PMID 11219521 · DOI
- Kumar S, Shetty A, Rockey J, Nilssen E. Contemporary surgical treatment of epistaxis. What is the evidence for sphenopalatine artery ligation?. Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 2003. PMID 12871253 · DOI
- de Divitiis E, Cappabianca P, Gangemi M, Cavallo LM. The role of the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach in pediatric neurosurgery. Childs Nerv Syst. 2000. PMID 11151718 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.