Ultrasonic Selective Hypophysectomy in Cushing's Disease, Acromegaly and Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

The first results obtained with a new method of cellular selective inhibition of the hypophysis by means of a beam of ultrasounds of 2.5—3.5 watt/cm² (average value) and 3 Mhz frequency are described. The method has recently been improved with a new surgical technique and used in a group of patients with Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly and diabetic retinopathy. The clinical and hormonal improvement obtained with the operation was the same as those obtained with surgical hypophysectomy or intra-sellar implantation of isotopes. Inhibition of the hypophysis with ultrasounds does not require any incision nor transfixion of the dura mater of the sella and has the great advantage of giving rise to no post-operative complication whatsoever.