Autopsy reports and radiologic and MRI evidence from around the globe indicate that one out of every five people worldwide has a pituitary tumor, although many of the tumors do not cause symptoms and the condition is never diagnosed during the person's lifetime . About 15% of tumors in the skull are pituitary tumors; most are located in the anterior pituitary lobe and are usually noncancerous. All neurosurgery residents are trained in pituitary surgery; this is a bread & butter surgical area for them. Over the last decade techniques in pituitary surgery have rapidly evolved as the entire surgical field has sought out minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. As a result, endoscopic procedures have become the preferred approach in pituitary surgery. The proposed book aims to be THE go-to, comprehensive and current guide on pituitary surgery, finding audiences with both neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists who perform these procedures. However, this book will not only contain the state-of-the-art technical aspects of endoscopic pituitary surgery, but will also tap the knowledge base of the masters in this specialty who will reveal their time-tested decision-making processes for determining which patients are candidates for pituitary surgery, endoscopic versus open (craniotomy), and which would be better served with alternative treatments such as medication. Offering the unique dual perspective of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists, Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery: Endocrine, Neuro-Ophthalmologic and Surgical Management describes both cutting-edge endoscopic techniques and tried-and-true decision-making methodologies that lead to the most successful outcomes. From choosing the right surgical or non-surgical approach for individual patients, to managing complex endocrine and neuro-ophthalmologic issues, this is the first major reference in the field in nearly a decade, making it the go-to guide for all interdisciplinary specialists who treat pituitary tumors. Special Features:

Step-by-step descriptions of the newest endoscopic pituitary and skull base procedures, ensuring that specialists have full mastery of techniques for different tumor types in this surgically challenging area The clinical wisdom and perspectives of the masters of pituitary surgery, who share insights on patient selection, endoscopic versus open procedures, medical management, and much more Operative pearls from both neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists Compelling discussions of the pros and cons of various procedures (e.g., the utility of intraoperative MRI in pituitary surgery cases) Inclusion of detail-revealing 3D endoscopic images (complete with 3D glasses) Rationale for a collaborative neurosurgery--otolaryngology team approach to developing and implementing the most innovative endoscopic and skull base techniques

Enhanced by hundreds of images, decision-making algorithms, and clinical pearls from experts on each tumor type, Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery is a comprehensive guide representing the current palette of available treatment options. It is indispensable for residents in training as well as for practicing neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists who are making the transition to the newest minimally invasive endoscopic procedures in the treatment of pituitary lesions.Dr. Blitzer honored in Best Doctors 2012 issue of New York Magazine