A suggested protocol for the endocrine postoperative management of patients undergoing pituitary surgery

Endocrine complications are the most frequent postoperative complications in pituitary surgery. In the absence of guidelines on postoperative care, this article summarizes the available data on the topic.We conducted a systematic search of PubMed up to 2021 and updated the search in December 2022.We retrieved 119 articles and included 53 full-text papers.Early postoperative care consists is assessment for cortisol deficiency and diabetes insipidus (DI). Experts suggest that all patients should receive a glucocorticoid (GC) stress dose followed by rapid taper. The decision for GC replacement after discharge depends on the morning plasma cortisol level on day 3 after surgery. Experts suggest that patients with morning plasma cortisol < 10 mcg/dl should receive GC replacement at discharge, and those with 10-18 mcg/dl a morning dose only, with formal assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis at postoperative week 6. When the cortisol level is > 18 mcg/dl, the patient can be discharged safely off GC, as suggested by observational studies. Postoperative care also includes close monitoring of water balance. In DI, desmopressin is used only in case of uncomfortable polyuria or hypernatremia. Assessment of other hormones is indicated at 3 months postoperatively and beyond.Evaluation and treatment of patients following pituitary surgery are based on expert opinion and a few observational studies. Further research is needed to provide additional evidence on the most appropriate approach.