Residual Neurohypophyseal Function in Hypophysectomized Man

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Abstract
TOTAL hypophysectomy for treatment of certain neoplastic and metabolic disorders of man1 2 3 has frequently resulted in diabetes insipidus postoperatively, which has complicated convalescence and occasionally predisposed to serious disturbances of water and electrolyte metabolism in critically ill patients. The present investigation was designed to study residual neurohypophyseal function in patients treated by hypophysectomy for metastatic cancer of the breast and thus to clarify the role of the pituitary gland in the pathogenesis of diabetes insipidus in man, and to determine possible means of preventing this undesirable complication.Materials and MethodsHypophysectomy was performed in 17 subjects by a transfrontal approach; . . .