Transsphenoidal approaches to the pituitary: a progression in experience in a single centre

Background  Evolving of a single centre by means of different transsphenoidal approaches during the survey of methodological advances in pituitary surgery is presented. Materials and methods  Ninety-three consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas underwent transphenoidal pituitary operations at Gulhane Military Medical Academy from January 1996 to October 2007. Retrospective chart-based analysis of the surgical methods of transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma operations were done. Surgical methods were described. Outcomes and complications were presented. Attention is focused on the methodology of different surgical techniques of pituitary surgery. Findings  During the evaluation period, 12 Sublabial approaches (1996–1998), 13 transseptal transsphenoidal approaches (1999–2000), 15 endonasal transsphenoidal approaches (2000–2004), 25 endoscopy assisted endonasal approaches (2002–2006) and 28 pure endoscopic endonasal approaches (2006–2007) were performed. Conclusions  Technologic advancements in endoscopy and gaining experience in pituitary surgery drives neurosurgeons toward less invasive approaches.