Stereotactic hypophysectomy for intractable pain secondary to metastatic prostate carcinoma

Stereotactic radiofrequency transfrontal hypophysectomy was carried out in 7 patients with osseous metastasis from prostatic carcinoma resulting in intractable pain. 86% experienced significant pain relief with 5 of 7 demonstrating marked decrease in medication requirement and improved level of function. The procedure was done under local anesthesia only with no mortality and minimal morbidity. Total destruction of the pituitary gland and the development of diabetes insipidus were shown not to be necessary conditions for pain relief.