Microscopic versus endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: analysis of surgical safety in 221 consecutive patients

Transsphenoidal route is now considered the gold standard for the removal of pituitary adenoma. Up to date, no clear superiority in terms of efficacy has been demonstrated between transsphenoidal microscopic and endoscopic approaches. Surgical safety may be a relevant argument in favor or against the choice of one of the two surgical approaches. In our experience, the microscope and the endoscope are both safe instruments for the resection of pituitary adenomas. Because of the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials, the choice of one of the two instruments should depend on surgeon-specific preferences and hospital assets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.