ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Surgical management of invasive pituitary tumor is challengeable with conventional transsphenoidal approach(TSA) or pterional intradural approach alone. Gross total resection of pituitary adenoma influences its prognosis favorably, so transcavernous approach(TCA) is essential in invasive pituitary tumor. This study is performed to evaluate and analyze the surgical results of TCA in cases of invasive pituitary adenoma. METHODS: From November 1995 to May 2002, nine cases of invasive pituitary adenoma were treated. The authors reviewed medical records and radiological findings. Pterional transzygomatic or orbitozygomatic transcavernous approach was selected for tumors extended below or above the third ventricle floor respectively and intradural removal of tumor with suprasellar extension was combined. Surgical results including hormonal function, recurrence, completeness of tumor resection, and postoperative complications were evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients were treated with TSA followed by TCA and one with TCA alone. Total resection was achieved in seven cases, subtotal resection in one, and partial resection in one. Postoperative complications included temporary third nerve palsy in four cases and facial paresthesia in two. There was no recurrence during follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Transcavernous approach alone or combined with TSA is essential surgical procedure for total removal of invasive pituitary adenomas with acceptable morbidities.