Transnasal transsphenoidal surgical method in pediatric pituitary adenomas

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcome in a 13-year consecutive series of children operated for pituitary adenomas with transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. Methods: All patients < 18 years who were operated on at our center by transsphenoidal surgery for pediatric pituitary adenomas were included in the study. Clinical features, hormonal profile, radiology, surgical approach, results and complications were analyzed. Results: Eighteen patients (90%) had functional pituitary adenomas and 2 (10%) patients had nonfunctional pituitary adenoma. The most common type was prolactin-secreting adenoma (n = 12), followed by corticotropinoma (n = 4), growth hormone-secreting adenoma (n = 2), and nonfunctioning adenoma (n = 2). Prolactin-secreting adenomas in children occurred more commonly with suprasellar expansion than did other adenomas. Conclusion: Transsphenoidal surgery was effective for decompression of suprasellar extension and relieved the chiasmal compression immediately. Prolactin-secreting tumors required postoperative medical therapy for persistently elevated prolactin levels.