Postoperative Complications in Pituitary Adenomas: A Retrospective Risk Factors Analysis

Objective: Over the years, pituitary surgery has constantly evolved to prevent intra- and postoperative complications. However, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates are still considerable, ranging from 1.4 to 16.9%, as reported in literature. Furthermore, endocrinological complications may affect pituitary surgery, as hypopituitarism, central adrenal insufficiency and diabetes insipidus, which incidence in literature is highly variable. Previous studies identified BMI >30, previous radiotherapy, adenoma size and type, intraoperative CSF leak and age younger than 50 years as potential risk factors for postoperative complications.