Results of neuro-endoscopic pituitary surgery in ۲۶ patients with pituitary adenoma

Introduction: Endoscopic surgery of pituitary adenoma is a rapidly developing surgical procedure in the field of neurosurgery, with known limitations and advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of this technique for treatment of a group of patients with pituitary adenoma.Materials and Methods: In the present study, ۲۶ patients with the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, who were considered for endoscopic operation between ۲۰۰۲-۲۰۰۵ in Sina and Amir Alam hospitals, were included. The following data were registered: age, sex, symptoms of disease, findings of neurological exam, adenoma type (functional versus non-functional), treatment outcome and complications of the procedure and duration of hospital stay.Results: Twenty six patients (۱۴ male and ۱۱ female) included in the study. Most of them were in the ۳-۶ decades of life. They included ۱۱ non-functional adenoma, ۹ GH-producing adenomas, ۳ ACTH secreting adenomas and ۳ cases with prolactinomas. Seven patients had complications of the operation (reversible in ۶ patients and fatal in ۱) and ۶ of them had recurrence of the tumor during the ۲-year follow up.Conclusion: Endoscopic surgery is an invaluable method for treatment of pituitary adenoma, and factors such as decreased complications and duration of hospital stay further adds to its popularity.

Keywords:

Neuro-endoscopy , Pituitary adenoma , Sella tursica