Surgical Outcome of Pituitary Prolactinomas

Jung, Tae Young; Kim, Jae Hyoo; Kim, In Young; Kim, Tae Sun; Jung, Shin; Kim, Soo Han

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to analyse the surgical outcome of prolactinoma and to evaluate the treatment modality.
METHODS
Author has reviewed retrospectively the results of transsphenoidal microsurgical management in 26 patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas between 1995 and 2000. The patients were divided into three groups based on their preoperative serum prolactin levels:below 200ng/ml(Group A):over 200 to 500ng/ml(Group B):over 500(Group C).
RESULTS
During the same period, a total of 120 patients with pituitary adenoma were treated, and prolactinoma was the 21.6%. The mean age was 32.3+/-9.1 years and sex ratio(male-to-female ratio) was 1:5.5. The common clinical manifestations were amenorrhea, galactorrhea, headache, visual field defect and loss of visual acuity. Mean preoperative serum prolactin level was 1250.3ng/ml. The percentage of successful treatment(control rate) was 92.8% in Group A, 75% in Group B, and 0% in Group C.
CONCLUSION
The surgical control rates seem to justify surgery for these patients. For the most patients with serum prolactin levels over 500ng/ml, adjuvant treatment with bromocriptine after the surgery is recommended.