Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
[Preservation of the pituitary stalk and the gland in transsphenoidal microsurgery for pituitary adenomas]
Haoyu Li1, Xianrui Yuan, Yiwei Liao
1Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Objective:
To improve the surgical outcome of pituitary adenomas by identifying and preserving the pituitary stalk and the gland during surgery.
Methods:
From October 2010 to September 2012, the author from the Department of Neurosurgery of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University operated on 51 patients with pituitary adenoma. During the operations, we carefully identified the normal adenohypophysis, pituitary stalk, neurohypophysis and the abnormal tissues either by direct observation or by medical images, aiming to excise the tumor thoroughly, protect the pituitary function and reduce the postoperative complications.
Results:
Totally 37 patients (72.5%, 37/51) had total resection of the tumor, 12 (23.5%, 12/51) had subtotal tumor resection and the other 2 had major removal. The gland and the pituitary stalk were well identified and reserved. Detection of hormone content proved that the operation had little effect on the free triiodothyronine (FT3) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), while for free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and postoperative followup significant alleviation was found. There was no significant fluctuation for the testosterone in the men preoperatively and postoperatively (all the above results were obtained without hormone replacement therapy). The main postoperative complications were as follows: temporary diabetes insipidus in 5 patients (9.8%, 5/51); electrolyte disorder (the appearance of hyponatremia) in 17 (33.3%, 17/51); and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and postoperative intracranial infection in 1 (2%, 1/51). No one died during the perioperation period.
Conclusion:
Microscopic transsphenoidal surgery is effective for pituitary adenomas including tumors violating the cavernous sinus. Accurate identification of the pituitary stalk, the gland and the abnormal tissue during the microscopic transsphenoidal operation plays a critical role in preserving the pituitary function and promoting postoperative rehabilitation.
