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  4. Vol 7, Issue 1, 2026

Advances in the Analysis and Prevention of Diabetes Insipidus Following Pituitary Adenoma Resection

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DOI: 10.23977/medsc.2026.070119 | Downloads: 78 | Views: 93

Author(s)

Xinyuan Qi 1, Zeyu Zhang 1, Haoyang Peng 1, Can Pang 1, Yi Huang 1, Yifei Liu 1, Peng Wang 2, Xiao Wu 3

Affiliation(s)

1 The First Clinical Medical College, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
3 Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

Corresponding Author

Xiao Wu

ABSTRACT

Pituitary adenoma is a common tumor of the central nervous system, for which transsphenoidal surgery is the mainstay of treatment. However, postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) is a frequent complication, with an overall incidence ranging from 2% to 54%, of which approximately 4.6% may progress to persistent DI. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and management strategies for DI following pituitary adenoma surgery. The core pathogenic mechanism involves surgical injury to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, leading to insufficient synthesis or secretion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) or renal resistance to its action. The occurrence of DI results from the interplay of multiple factors, with primary risks pertaining to patient-, tumor-, and surgery-related aspects. Current prevention emphasizes meticulous intraoperative techniques as the cornerstone, including protection of the pituitary stalk, controlled use of electrocautery, and gentle manipulation. Treatment requires a tiered approach: mild cases can often be managed conservatively with fluid replacement and monitoring, while moderate to severe cases necessitate the standard use of desmopressin. Existing research is predominantly retrospective with heterogeneous diagnostic criteria. Future studies should focus on conducting multicenter prospective research to develop risk prediction models and to optimize individualized prevention and long-term management strategies for high-risk patients.

KEYWORDS

Pituitary adenoma; Diabetes insipidus; Pathological mechanism; Risk factors; Prevention and treatment strategies

CITE THIS PAPER

Xinyuan Qi, Zeyu Zhang, Haoyang Peng, Can Pang, Yi Huang, Yifei Liu, Peng Wang, Xiao Wu. Advances in the Analysis and Prevention of Diabetes Insipidus Following Pituitary Adenoma Resection. MEDS Clinical Medicine (2026). Vol. 7, No.1, 191-200. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medsc.2026.070119.

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