Recurrence of symptomatic pituitary cysts following transsphenoidal drainage

Two patients with symptomatic pituitary cysts were treated by transsphenoidal surgery with resolution of visual and endocrine abnormalities, but identical lesions reappeared within two years. Such recurrences have not been previously reported following this procedure. They may be attributed to incomplete resection of the suprasellar component, or failure to marsupialize the cyst into the subarachnoid space, which is achieved by the traditional transfrontal approach to the lesion. Guidelines for the management and follow-up of pituitary cysts are provided.