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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Endoscopic transcavernous approach for functional pituitary adenomas
Daniele Starnoni1,2,3, Roy T Daniel4,5,6, Mahmoud Messerer4,5,6
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Service and Gamma Knife Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland. Daniele.starnoni@chuv.ch.
Background:
Invasion of the CS is one of the limiting factors for total resection for PitNet tumors with cure rates less than 30%. Extended approaches may be considered in selective and well-studied cases of secreting adenomas.
Method:
We describe the key steps of the endoscopic transcavernous approach for functional pituitary adenomas with a video illustration. The surgical anatomy is described along with the advantages and limitations of this approach.
Conclusion:
A detailed knowledge of CS anatomy and familiarity with this surgical approach acquired in the laboratory is essential. Proper instrumentation is critical to decrease the risks of vascular injury.
