Complications in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Abstract

Pituitary surgery has undergone rapid advancements in the last 30 years, secondary to improved surgical techniques and technologies, including those that allow endoscopic approaches. Although the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) offers minimally invasive access to the region of the pituitary gland, complications are a significant consideration for the combined otolaryngology-neurosurgery team that is preparing for a case. In this article, we discuss various complications related to the EEA in pituitary surgery and explore ways to plan for and avoid them during surgery.

Keywords: Complications; EEA; Endonasal endoscopic approach; Pituitary adenoma; Pituitary surgery.