Chapters authored
Huge Pituitary Adenomas: Dedicated Surgical Technique and Indications for Extent of Tumour Removal in the Modern Era
Transsphenoidal surgery is the most indicated approach not only for small and large pituitary adenomas but also for huge ones. A modified transsphenoidal technique to remove huge pituitary adenomas with marked suprasellar extension (4–8 cm of maximum diameter) resulted very useful in authors’ experience. The technique allowed avoiding the occurrence of a precocious descent of the suprasellar cisternal plane into the sellar plane during tumor removal and its related dangerous consequences. Technique was performed opening at the beginning only the lateral parts of peritumoral dura mater, and after removal of lateral parts of the tumor, the central part of peritumoral dura mater was opened and the central intrasellar and suprasellar parts of the tumor were removed. Comparing the results to similar patients operated by the same authors with standard surgical technique, we observed that total removal was accomplished in 64% of patients treated with modified technique than 45% of patients treated with standard transsphenoidal surgery. Moreover, better results were achieved concerning intraoperative CSF leak, postoperative CSF fistula, and average time of postoperative stay in hospital. For invasive dumbbell-shaped pituitary adenomas, particular therapeutic plans are necessary.
Part of the book: Pituitary Diseases