[Advances in the surgical treatment of tumors of the pituitary region : rhino-neurosurgical transnasal endoscopic surgery].

Conventional microscopic surgery of pituitary adenomas offers excellent results with regard to local tumour control and endocrine function. Overall patient morbidity and mortality is low. However, recent studies demonstrate further improvements in tumour resection control and more favourable endocrine/ophthalmologic results when endoscopic techniques are applied, as well as an overall reduction in peri-interventional morbidity. Additionally, use of endoscopic techniques in rhino-neurosurgical cooperation achieved better specifically rhinologic results and improved subjective comfort for patients. The cooperative rhino-neurosurgical approach not only allows for optimal treatment of the primary pituitary pathology, but also treatment of additional nasal and paranasal pathologies, such as a deviated septum or disturbed drainage of the paranasal sinus.