Results of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease

Abstract

Thirty-six patients with Cushing's disease underwent transsphenoidal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1976 and August 1986. Adenomas were identified, removed, and verified pathologically in 28 patients (78%); in all cases, hypercortisolism was corrected. Overall, 31 of the 36 patients (86%) were cured initially (biochemically and clinically). No operative mortality or permanent neurological sequelae were sustained. Follow-up ranged from four to 120 months. There have been three recurrences after an initial apparent cure.