Transnasal hypophysectomy

Abstract

A transnasal trans sphenoidal surgical approach to the pituitary gland is described. The operative and postoperative experiences with the use of this technique on 21 patients with hormone dependent malignant disease are reported. In 2 patients the procedure was abandoned because of intrasellar haemorrhage and in 1 an empty sella was found. Fifteen patients developed diabetes insipidus and 1 patient died in the postoperative period.