When dealing with a pituitary tumor, the goal is to remove as much of the growth as possible. This type of surgery happens through the nose and sinuses, known as transsphenoidal surgery. Doctors often choose between two main techniques: microscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery.
A large review of data from over 26,000 patients shows that using an endoscope—a tool with a camera and light—leads to higher rates of gross total resection. This means surgeons are more likely to remove the entire tumor. While there was slightly more blood loss during endoscopic procedures, other safety risks like fluid leaks or infections were similar between both methods.
The time spent in the operating room did not differ significantly between the two techniques. Ultimately, the data suggests that endoscopic surgery provides a way to achieve better removal rates while maintaining a comparable level of safety for patients undergoing these procedures.
