[Transsphenoidal approach to pituitary tumors].

Over the past 2 years 44 patients with pituitary tumors underwent transsphenoidal resection. A specialized team performed the procedure so as to optimize the results. 20 patients had nonsecreting macroadenomas and 24 suffered from hormone-secreting adenomas. All who presented with visual deterioration had improved vision after operation. Only 3 developed new endocrine deficits following surgery, while in 4 with invasive prolactinoma vision improved following surgery but hyperprolactinemia persisted. 8 of 11 patients with acromegaly were cured, while in the other 3, who had invasive tumors, growth hormone decreased significantly. 8 of 9 patients with Cushing's disease were cured. In only 1 case did a permanent complication, diabetes insipidus, occur; there was no mortality. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the procedure and the advantages of a dedicated team.