Long term results of radical hypophysectomy for Cushing's disease.

Sixteen consecutive cases of Cushing's disease were treated by radical transphenoidal hypophysectomy. Surgical removal was not possible in two cases. Of the other 14, there was total clinical and biochemical remission of the disease in 13 and partial remission in one. Some form of replacement therapy has been necessary in 11 out of the 14 cases. During a long period of postoperative clinical and biochemical assessment extending over 5-14 years (average 8 years) there have been no recurrences.