THE PERSEPTAL OPERATION FOR PITUITARY TUMOURS AND ITS EFFECT

Abstract

The auther has improved the perseptal method originally introduced by Hirsch for the endonasal removal of tumours and has applied this method in 18 cases of pituitary tumours. Its effects on the visual disturbance, visual field, endocrine disturbance and others have been observed, and also a comparison with the cranial method was made concerning its difficulty and prognosis. This improved method requires a shorter time for the operation and is easier than the cranial method. Furthermore, when a reopera- tion is necessary, the second operation is more readily carried out and when the tumour is located in the sella, a complete removal is possible. So for there has been no case, in which the direct cause of death was due to this operation. The prognosis of visual acuity and visual field has been satisfactory providing the optical fascicular atrophy was not remarkable and the tumour was non-malignant. Conclusion : As the sugical treatment of o=ular disturbance caused by pituitary tu- mours, the endonasal method proved to be more easier and effective and demonstrated more satisfactory prognosis compared to the cranial method providing that the tumour was located in the sella.