TRANSSPHENOIDAL SUBTOTAL HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE TREATMENT OF ACROMEGALY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Twentythree patients with acromegaly have been treated with transsphenoidal subtotal hypophysectomy, median observation time being 36 months. All the patients had an immediate relief of tissue pressure and oedema. Sixteen patients (70%) showed a complete recovery with regression of clinical symptoms and reduction of fasting growth hormone levels to normal levels (≤ 6 ng/ml). Three patients had a temporary improvement post-operatively with normal growth hormone levels which again slowly increased. Four patients had an incomplete improvement and a reduction in growth hormone levels to < 50 ng/ml. There was no serious complication. One patient showed post-operatively a partial visual defect which was normalized on re-operation.