title: Surgical pearls.
abstract: While endoscopic surgery is largely replacing microsurgery, many of the principles of trans-sphenoidal surgery are common to both techniques. For the novice surgeon there are many potential pitfalls that can, however, be avoided by attention to detail and careful planning. This article provides a practical overview from one surgeon's extensive experience.
authors.affiliation: The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK. bjnsed@aol.com
authors.forename: T R K
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Varma
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin