Trans-sphenoidal approach for resection of pituitary adenomas is a safe and common neurosurgical procedure. It can be done both through microscopic or endoscopic methods, and both methods can be facilitated by a perioperative lumbar drain insertion, that in theory improves tumour resection and reduces risk of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid leak. Herein we have reviewed the literature to find out the evidence in support of perioperative lumbar drain insertion for trans-sphenoidal resections.
Keywords: Pituitary adenoma, trans-sphenoidal surgery, trans-sphenoidal resection, lumbar drains, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, cerebrospinal fluid leak..