Pioneers in the development of transsphenoidal surgery: Theodor Kocher, Oskar Hirsch, and Norman Dott

Abstract

✓ The development of new scientific concepts and techniques is usually the result of a progressive evolution. The transsphenoidal approach to pituitary lesions is no exception. Several pioneers contributed to its development and its eventual and nearly unconditional acceptance. In this historical vignette, the contributions of three master surgeons, Theodor Kocher, Oskar Hirsch, and Norman Dott, are reviewed.