Outcomes of surgically treated pituitary adenomas in Malta - a population-based study

Abstract

Aim: The sequelae of surgically treated pituitary adenomas (PAs) is an important area of study to help guide management. Our study aims to analyse all PAs, functional and non-functional, which were operated until the end of 2022 in a well-defined population and to identify radiological characteristics that can predict recurrence before operation.

Methods: 206 PAs were evaluated along with their clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics. The clinical records of operated patients attending the only central national health service hospital in Malta were retrospectively analysed. Detailed clinical and histopathological data were obtained for each patient. The preoperative MR scan of each patient was analysed, and its radiological size, intensity patterns, suprasellar and infrasellar extension, and lateral extension were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to establish the association of different variables and which variables can predict recurrence after operation.