Trends in endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery: a survey of the international society of pituitary surgeons between 2010 and 2020

Purpose This comparative survey of surgical practice patterns between 2010 and 2020 aims to elicit trends in practice patterns for transsphenoidal surgery and to identify areas for improvement. Methods Web-based surveys were sent to the International Society of Pituitary Surgeons via a membership listserv in 2010 and 2020. These 33-item surveys collected information on demographics, surgical approach, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and recommendations for improvements. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Results There were 51 respondents in 2010 and 82 respondents in 2020. The majority were full-time academic surgeons from the United States or Europe. Preference for a purely endoscopic technique increased from 43% in 2010 to 87% in 2020. Preference for routinely working with an otolaryngologist or second neurosurgeon increased from 35 to 51%. Most surgeons (74%) reported that they were more likely to achieve a greater extent of resection with the endoscope, though 51% noted increased operating time. The most commonly rated advantage (34%) of endoscopic TSS was fewer postoperative nasoseptal perforations; the most commonly (34%) rated disadvantage was more postoperative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leak. Respondents were divided on whether microscopic TSS should continue to be taught in residency. Many (32%) advocated for improved endoscopic instrumentation and team training. Conclusion Endoscopic TSS is now the clearly preferred method for surgery amongst a cohort of higher-volume academic neurosurgeons. This trend is likely to continue, and this provides guidelines for future training.