Fully endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors: technique and results.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe our two-surgeon fully endoscopic approach to pituitary surgery and to report results in terms of tumor remission, improvement in vision, and complications. A retrospective chart review was performed.

Methods: Our prospectively recorded surgical database was searched for all endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures between January 2001 and December 2005. Those patients who had surgery had their medical charts reviewed and presenting symptoms and signs, lesion characteristics, endocrine investigations, operative details, complications, and treatment outcomes recorded.

Results: Thirty-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-three patients had macroadenomas, five patients had microadenomas, and four patients had other pathologies. Most patients with macroadenomas had significant supra- or parasellar extension. Of the 14 patients who had visual loss at presentation, 13 had postoperative improvement. Two patients had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which were successfully treated endoscopically. Eight patients required some form of hormone replacement after surgery. After a mean follow-up of 31 months, the overall remission rate for patients with macroadenomas was 82% and for patients with microadenomas was 100%.

Conclusion: The fully endoscopic transsphenoidal approach provides excellent visualization for tumor resection and results in acceptable remission rates.