Profile of pituitary adenoma in patients from rural areas: A study at Dr. Saiful Anwar hospital, Indonesia, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Pituitary adenoma is a benign tumor that can greatly affect prognosis, with delayed diagnosis posing a significant challenge. In Indonesia, epidemiological data on this tumor remain scarce. This study aims to explore the clinical profile of pituitary adenoma patients treated at Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital in 2024.

Methods: A retrospective, single-center, consecutive case series study was conducted by a multidisciplinary research team. Diagnoses were pathologically confirmed through clinical and radiological assessments. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed and operated on in 2024. Patients with incomplete data were included in the descriptive analysis but excluded from specific analyses.

Results: In 2024, 17 pituitary adenoma patients were treated at Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital. The majority were female (70.58%) and aged ≥18 years (100%). Visual disturbance was the predominant presenting symptom (88.23%). The most common tumor type was functional adenoma (prolactinoma, 52.94%), with Knosp grades 3A and 4 each found in 29.42% and 23.53% of cases. All patients underwent endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, with the majority achieving near-total resection (47.05%). Postoperatively, patients demonstrated favorable outcomes: All were discharged alive (100%), had normal urinary function at discharge (100%), and experienced improvements in hormonal status (77.77%), visual acuity (93.33%), and olfaction (100%).

Conclusion: The endonasal transsphenoidal approach is a safe and effective technique for pituitary adenoma management. Multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated care improve outcomes and postoperative monitoring. Strengthening rural referral systems and implementing telemedicine may enhance access and long-term follow-up.