[Current technical aspect in transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy]

Abstract

The authors describe several useful surgical techniques from our experiences in transsphenoidal microsurgery for pituitary adenomas. Intentional two-staged transsphenoidal removal with open sella floor and intrasellar drainage is available for most of giant adenomas with suprasellar extension. The open sella floor method and intrasellar drainage after first transsphenoidal adenomectomy accelerate to decrease the suprasellar tumor extension. In four of six patients in our series, macroscopically total selective adenomectomy was achieved by a second transsphenoidal operation without complications. As for extremely small microadenomas, represented in patients with Cushing's disease, stepwise systemic search is required to identify a subcortical microadenoma, preserving postoperative pituitary function. Edge resection around the microadenoma is also necessary for normalization of hormonal hypersecretion and permanent cure.