Endoscopic pituitary surgery: Techniques, tips and tricks, nuances, and complication avoidance

Abstract

Endoscopic pituitary surgery is useful in all micro- and macro-pituitary adenomas including those with suprasellar and cavernous sinus extension. The endoscope provides a panoramic close-up, a multi-angled view with excellent illumination and magnification, permitting complete excision of the tumor with preservation of normal pituitary. However, surgeons need to learn altogether different skills unique to endoscopy and the learning curve is steep. The learning curve can be shortened by proper selection of cases, gradual transition from the microscopic to the endoscopic approach, adequate sphenoethmoidal recess widening, identification of important landmarks during each stage of surgery, and use of neuronavigation. Results and long term outcomes can be improved with bimanual dynamic dissection and sequential tumor excision, preservation of normal pituitary, avoidance of arachnoidal tear and use of extended approach for tumors with large suprasellar extension. The gradual transition from microscopic to endoscopic approach, adherence to step by step technique and learning 'tips and tricks' of the endoscopic pituitary surgery reduce complications.