Transoral, transsphenoidal microsurgical exposure of the pituitary gland and infundibulum in the rhesus monkey

Abstract

A transoral, transsphenoidal microsurgical technique for exposing the pituitary stalk and gland of the rhesus monkey is described and illustrated. The technique proved to be a safe and practical method for performing a variety of pituitary operations in a total of 37 animals. The procedures included complete hypophysectomy, posterior lobe resection, pituitary stalk section, collection of portal venous blood, collection of pituitary venous blood and placement of lesions in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis.