Acromegaly: Treatment by Cryoablation

Results of cryoablation of pituitary adenomas in seven patients with acromegaly are described. Objective and subjective improvement, as well as reduction in human growth hormone (HGH) levels, occurred in each case with a minimum of complications and difficulties. Complete remission was not obtained in two patients, one of whom underwent the procedure on two occasions. Some clinical and biochemical improvement was observed in these patients as well as reduced HGH levels. The five patients who attained normal HGH levels reached this range within 1 month and usually within 5 days, postoperatively. They had satisfactory clinical remissions as well as of the chemical signs of acromegaly. In several instances some or most of normal pituitary function was maintained despite apparent satisfactory destruction of the HGH-secreting tumor. In our experience, cryohypophysectomy is a relatively simple and safe procedure that has proved effective in the treatment of acromegaly.