Stereotaxic Radiofrequency Surgery of the Normal and the Abnormal Pituitary Gland

Abstract

SURGEONS have continually sought an operative approach to pituitary tumors and to the normal pituitary gland that would be maximally effective, safe and innocuous. We have examined in detail the anatomy of the normal sella turcica and have used this information with some basic engineering technics to improve the endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland. This has resulted in a relatively atraumatic stereotaxic radiofrequency procedure associated with minimal morbidity. I shall describe the historical, anatomical and technical considerations that preceded our clinical work and the results obtained in 164 patients who underwent operation for angiopathic diabetic retinopathy, metastatic breast . . .