Trans-sphenoidal surgery for suprasellar pituitary adenomas.

The introduction of the trans-sphenoidal approach has not only made intrasellar tumours removable, but has proved also to be a safe method for ablation of suprasellar tumour extension. Experiences with 154 suprasellar pituitary adenomas in a series of 278 trans-sphenoidal operations are presented. Results are compared to those in the literature, suggesting that this technique is possible also for higher risk elderly patients.