A recent quality-improvement review emphasizes the safety and efficacy of pituitary tumor resection supported by intraoperative MRI.

To determine whether the use of intraoperative imaging achieved the desired balance of complete resection and gland preservation, Dr. Pacione followed patient outcomes over 1 year, finding a return-to-OR rate for resection of residual tumor of 0 percent in patients whose resection was aided by intraoperative MRI, compared with 3 percent in cases without MRI confirmation of resection.

Notably, this improvement was achieved despite tumors with 20 percent larger volume observed in the MRI group. The use of intraoperative MRI has not only resulted in improvements in tumor resection but also led to a reduction in gland injury and a 30 percent reduction in the need for postoperative hormone replacement.

“With the intraoperative imaging, we can better preserve normal gland function while achieving a higher rate of gross total resection and hormonal remission—important for patients’ long-term outcomes,” notes Dr. Pacione. “It enables us to achieve better results with a single, safer surgery.”