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Updated: May 30, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Pituitary surgery: legacies from the past
Julie Dubourg1, Emmanuel Jouanneau, Mahmoud Messerer
1Inserm, CIC201, EPICIME, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69000 Lyon, France.
This review traces the historical development of pituitary surgery, highlighting key figures and advancements in understanding pituitary anatomy and physiology. Our current surgical knowledge is built upon a long history of scientific investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Endocrinology
- Medical History
Background:
- Pituitary surgery is a relatively recent neurosurgical subspecialty.
- Surgical techniques have largely evolved within the last century.
- Understanding the pituitary gland's function is crucial in endocrinology.
Observation:
- The development of pituitary surgery is marked by significant milestones.
- Key historical figures have made substantial contributions to the field.
- Advances in pituitary anatomy and physiology studies are central to surgical progress.
Findings:
- The evolution of pituitary surgery is a testament to cumulative scientific effort.
- Modern surgical approaches are rooted in a deep historical understanding.
- Progress in neurosurgery is often driven by interdisciplinary collaboration.
Implications:
- Recognizing the historical trajectory of pituitary surgery informs current practice.
- Understanding the foundational research provides context for future innovations.
- This historical review underscores the importance of continued investigation in neurosurgery and endocrinology.
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