Overview of Pituitary Surgery

Abstract

Management of patients with pituitary lesions is complex given the delicate nature of the surrounding anatomy and complexity of underlying disease. The care of these patients ideally involves a multidisciplinary team composed of endocrinologists, neuroradiologists, otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, critical care physicians, and anesthesiologists. The endoscopic endonasal approach to the skull base has revolutionized pituitary and anterior skull base surgery and has gained popularity worldwide. This article presents an overview of the diagnosis, work-up, and management of patients with pituitary lesions, with an emphasis on surgical, perioperative, and postoperative considerations.

Keywords: Endoscopic surgery; Pituitary; Pituitary adenoma; Pituitary surgery; Sella; Skull base surgery; Transsphenoidal surgery.