Transsphenoidal selective anterior hypophysectomy in cats for microsurgical training. Technical note

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology

Background:

• The pituitary gland plays a vital role in feline endocrine regulation.
• Accurate surgical access to the feline pituitary is essential for research and therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a detailed technique for selective anterior hypophysectomy via a transsphenoidal approach in cats.
• To establish a valuable training model for advanced microneurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• Detailed surgical procedure for transsphenoidal selective anterior hypophysectomy in feline subjects.
• Emphasis on anatomical landmarks and microsurgical instrumentation.
• Post-operative assessment protocols.

Main Results:

• Successful execution of selective anterior hypophysectomy using the described transsphenoidal route.
• The technique allows for precise removal of anterior pituitary tissue.
• Demonstrated feasibility for microneurosurgical skill development.

Conclusions:

• The described transsphenoidal technique provides a reliable method for selective anterior hypophysectomy in cats.
• This procedure serves as an effective platform for advanced microneurosurgical training.
• Facilitates further research into feline pituitary function and disease.