Surgical Approach to Pituitary Tumors

Question 1

Pituitary tumors that are eligible for surgery

Answer 1

• Surgery is generally the first line of treatment for all pituitary tumors except for tumors that secrete prolactin.
• Tumors that secrete both prolactin and growth hormone generally are candidates for surgical intervention

Question 2

Tumors that most often require surgery

Answer 2

• 39% Non-secretors
• 14.8% ACTH (Cushings Tumors)
• 12.3% Prolactinomas
• 11.9% GH (Acromegaly/Gigantism)

Question 3

Complications of surgery on pituitary tumors

Answer 3

• Post op spinal fluid leak
• Diabetes insipidus
• Injury to optic nerves
• Injury to carotid artery ==> stroke
• Injury to normal pituitary gland
• Chronic sinusitis
• Meningitis