Transsphenoidal Approach to Pituitary Adenomas: from the Microscope to the Endoscope

Objective Report the transitioning from the usage of microscope to endoscope in the transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenomas with a main focus on technical nuances and incorporation of new surgical instruments throughout several years. Methods Between 1993 and 2015, the Skull Base team of Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG operated on 225 pituitary adenomas through a transsphenoidal approach. The study was divided into 3 groups: the first group (from 1993 to 2001) used the microscope only; the second group (from 2002 to 2004) used both the microscope and endoscope simultaneously, and the third group (from 2005 to 2015) used the endoscope only. Results There were 120 functional adenomas and 98 non-functional pituitary tumors; 7 cases could not be classified. The first two groups consisted of 50 cases, as 175 cases were operated with the endoscope only. As the transseptal moved to the endonasal route, it allowed the procedure to be performed by three or four hands, better visualization of the lateral sella, approach to the cavernous sinus and treatment of CSF leaks with a vascularized graft from the septal mucosa. The surgical instruments were adapted as the microscopic approach was switched to the endoscopic technique. Conclusion Despite the lack of literature data showing superior magnification or lighting when comparing the endoscope to the microscope, we believe the former provides greater comfort and safety in the transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.