title: Transsphenoidal microsurgery of pituitary macroadenomas with long-term follow-up results.
abstract: The authors have reported on 108 patients with pituitary macroadenomas (measuring 2 cm in at least one diameter) who underwent 117 transsphenoidal operations and five craniotomies, and were followed for periods ranging from 6 months to 14 years. Vision improved in 90% of the patients. Gross total tumor removal with no evidence of residual tumor tissue demonstrable on the postoperative computerized tomography scan was accomplished in 41% of cases. However, gross total tumor removal is not synonymous with complete tumor removal. Endocrine cure was possible in 25% of prolactin-secreting and 20% of growth hormone-secreting adenomas. The incidence of recurrence was 12%, with the majority occurring from 4 to 8 years postoperatively. Both the  tumors with suprasellar extension of more than 2 cm and the hard fibrotic tumors had a higher recurrence rate. Postoperative administration of radiation therapy has been associated with a significantly lower recurrence rate than when this therapy was withheld. Transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary macroadenomas confined to the extra-arachnoid space is associated with a relatively small number of complications. The operative technique used in this series is described.
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000145:classification; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014792:Visual Acuity