Microscopic Versus Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery: A Systematic Review

Objectives/Hypothesis: To critically review current literature comparing microscopic versus endoscopic surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Study Design: Systematic review of the literature. Methods: All English language literature published between January 1989 and June 2009 on PubMed were eligible for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were: direct comparison between microscopic and fully endoscopic approaches and surgery performed with the intent to treat a pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic-assisted comparisons and studies comparing outcomes with previous literature were excluded. Technical notes, case reports, letters, and comments were also excluded. Included studies were categorized according to level of evidence and evaluated for quality using a modified Downs and Black scale. Data was extracted and compared between studies. Results: Of the 3,586 studies retrieved from the search strategy, 11 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Various outcomes measures were used including: operating time, extent of tumor resection, postoperative normalization of hormone levels, incidence of complications, length of hospital stay, and patient pain and discomfort. The endoscopic approach decreased operating time, lumbar drains, immediate postoperative diabetes insipidus, some rhinologic complications, length of hospital stay, and patient pain and discomfort. Other outcome measures were comparable between the two approaches. Conclusions: The literature comparing endoscopic and microscopic pituitary surgery favors the endoscopic approach for pituitary surgery. Major outcome measures (extent of tumor resection, changes in hormone levels) do not differ between the two approaches. Complications, time in the operating room and hospital, and patient discomfort are significantly less with the endoscopic approach.