Early post-operative growth hormone levels predict the result of transsphenoidal tumour removal in acromegaly

Serum human growth hormone (hGH) measurements were performed during transsphenoidal microsurgery for acromegaly and in the early period afterwards. There were 14 patients of which 2 were operated on twice. In 11 patients (2 patients at reoperation) the serum hGH concentration was normalized to less than 5 μg/l within 3 h after completion of surgery. On five occasions only partial restoration of the hGH values was obtained and additional treatment was given in 2 patients by successful re-operation. The early post-operative hGH concentrations were consistent with the clinical evaluation of the patients and the hGH concentrations during follow-up for an average of 27 months. We conclude that early post-operative serum hGH measurement is of value for evaluation of the efficiency of the tumour removal and the need for further treatment.