[Hypophyseal adenoma in elderly persons. Experience with surgical treatment of 102 patients]

In 1972 to 2000, a total of 102 patients aged 60 years or more underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas. They were 54 males and 48 females (mean age 63.5 years). Before surgery, all the patients had impaired vision (with asymmetry of visual loss in 61% of patients). 17% had ophthalmoplegia. Most adenomas (92%) were clinically and biochemically hormonally inactive. In all cases, pituitary adenomas had extrasellar extension: 63% of the adenomas were enclosed and 37% were invasive. A total of 111 interventions were made in 102 patients. Analyzing the outcomes indicates that transsphenoidal microsurgery is an effective and safe treatment in elderly patients with pituitary adenomas.