[Long-term surgical results of microprolactinomas]

Sixty three patients with microprolactinoma were studied by long-term follow-up after surgical cure. Postoperative normalization of prolactin (PRL) was seen in 38 (60%) of the total 63 cases, and hyperprolactinemia recurred in 5 (13%) during the follow-up period. Spontaneous restoration of menstruation occurred in 45 (71%), and, in 41 (65%), regular menstrual cycle as continuing at the time of the last follow-up. 34 (72%) of 47 patients who wanted children became pregnant, and 31 of these had a subsequent successful delivery. Clinical cure by surgical treatment alone, followed by spontaneous restoration of menstruation and continuation of regular cycle during the follow-up period after pregnancy and delivery was seen in 41 (65%) of the total cases. From these results, it was concluded that transsphenoidal surgery should be the treatment of first choice for microprolactinoma when complete cure is required.