Multidisciplinary medical team collaborating on a holographic pituitary gland projection.

Navigating Pituitary Tumors: Insights from an Italian Neurosurgical Survey

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the latest trends in pituitary surgery across Italy, focusing on diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the vital role of multidisciplinary teams."

Pituitary tumors, typically benign, present unique diagnostic and management challenges. These tumors necessitate a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to ensure favorable outcomes. Optimal care hinges on tailored diagnostic tests and treatment guidelines.

Recognizing this imperative, a multicenter study was conducted across Italian neurosurgical centers. This initiative aimed to capture a real-world snapshot of current pituitary surgery practices from a neurosurgical perspective, ultimately seeking to enhance patient care and outcomes.

The study leveraged the collaborative framework of SINch (Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia) to survey 41 public institutions, exploring their activities and approaches in pituitary surgery. The goal was to identify best practices and areas for improvement within the Italian healthcare system.

Italian Pituitary Surgery: Key Findings & Trends

Multidisciplinary medical team collaborating on a holographic pituitary gland projection.

The survey engaged 37 of the 41 identified centers. Data analysis revealed that in 2016, a total of 1,479 neurosurgical procedures were performed for pituitary-related conditions. A significant majority of these interventions employed a transsphenoidal approach, with 1,320 cases utilizing this method (1,204 endoscopic, 53 microscopic, 53 endoscope-assisted microscopic), contrasting with 159 transcranial procedures.

The study also highlighted the significance of collaborative care. A multidisciplinary tumor board, comprising diverse specialists, was regularly convened in 32 of the 37 participating centers. Furthermore, 18 centers maintained dedicated research laboratories, facilitating ongoing advancements in understanding and treating pituitary disorders.

Transsphenoidal Approach Dominance: The preference for the transsphenoidal approach, especially the endoscopic technique, confirms its central role in pituitary surgery.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The regular convening of multidisciplinary tumor boards in most centers underscores the value of collaborative expertise in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Research Integration: The presence of research laboratories in several centers highlights a commitment to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes in pituitary care.

These findings underscore the collaborative nature of diagnosing and treating pituitary/hypothalamus disorders. Success is fostered by a multidisciplinary team approach. The trend toward endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery also signifies the adoption of minimally invasive techniques, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and recovery times.

The Future of Pituitary Care

The Italian survey reinforces the importance of teamwork, surgical expertise, and technological advancements in pituitary surgery. As medical knowledge expands, exchanging ideas and knowledge remains critical to refine treatment strategies and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. High-volume centers with multidisciplinary teams and residency programs are poised to lead the way in enhancing pituitary care.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are pituitary tumors and why is understanding them important?

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that occur in the pituitary gland. While typically benign, they present diagnostic and management challenges, requiring a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This understanding is crucial to ensure favorable patient outcomes. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, pituitary tumors can cause hormonal imbalances and vision problems.

What is the transsphenoidal approach, and why is it preferred in pituitary surgery?

The transsphenoidal approach is a surgical technique used to access the pituitary gland through the nasal passages. Its dominance, especially with the endoscopic technique, confirms its central role in pituitary surgery. This approach is favored because it's minimally invasive, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and recovery times compared to traditional transcranial procedures. The transcranial approach involves opening the skull to access the pituitary gland. While less common now, it may be necessary for larger or more complex tumors.

What is a multidisciplinary tumor board, and why is it important in treating pituitary disorders?

A multidisciplinary tumor board is a team of specialists from different medical fields who collaborate to diagnose and create treatment plans for pituitary disorders. The involvement of these boards underscores the value of collaborative expertise in treatment planning. These teams often include neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists, and other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's condition are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective care.

Why are research laboratories important in pituitary care?

Dedicated research laboratories play a vital role in advancing knowledge and improving outcomes in pituitary care. The presence of research labs highlights a commitment to ongoing investigation and innovation in treating pituitary disorders. Research efforts may focus on developing new surgical techniques, improving diagnostic methods, or understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms of pituitary tumor development.

What did the survey reveal about the volume of pituitary surgeries in Italian centers?

The survey focused on neurosurgical procedures for pituitary-related conditions in Italy. Data was collected from multiple centers, showing in 2016 that 1,479 neurosurgical procedures were performed. These procedures primarily utilized the transsphenoidal approach (endoscopic, microscopic or endoscope-assisted microscopic). Understanding these trends helps in standardizing approaches, distributing resources and improving care delivery across different regions.