Comprehensive Fertility Management After Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: Lessons from a Rural Japanese Case and Practical Review

<b>Background and Clinical Significance:</b> Pituitary adenomas, also termed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, pose a significant risk of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) after surgical resection, with profound consequences for fertility and sexual function in young patients. <b>Case Presentation:</b> We present the case of a 29-year-old man from rural Japan who developed severe HH and azoospermia following two transsphenoidal resections for a large pituitary adenoma. Despite early engagement with neurosurgery teams, fertility management was delayed by the absence of on-site endocrinology expertise and limited local oncofertility resources. After comprehensive endocrine evaluation and counseling, the patient began combined human chorionic gonadotropin and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone therapy, resulting in full recovery of sexual function and normalization of semen parameters, ultimately leading to spontaneous conception and the birth of a healthy child. Building on this real-world case, we provide a narrative review of current practical management strategies for HH after pituitary surgery, including the utility of hormone-stimulation tests, Japanese guideline-based subsidy systems, and best-practice approaches to hormonal replacement. <b>Conclusions:</b> This case underscores not only the necessity for early, interdisciplinary collaboration and preoperative counseling but also highlights a rare instance in which a patient with a benign tumor received care that did not address his fertility-related needs, emphasizing that such considerations should be integrated into preoperative counseling even for non-malignant conditions. Strengthening regional oncofertility networks and improving healthcare providers' awareness of fertility-preservation options remain essential for improving outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Reports — Medical Cases Images and Videos
Published
2025-08-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8030144
Primary Topic
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
Type
article
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article

Comprehensive Fertility Management After Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: Lessons from a Rural Japanese Case and Practical Review

Kosuke Kojo, Tatsuya Takayama, San‐e Ishikawa, Takumi Kuramae et al.
Reports — Medical Cases Images and Videos
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
article

Comprehensive Fertility Management After Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: Lessons from a Rural Japanese Case and Practical Review

Kosuke Kojo, Tatsuya Takayama, San‐e Ishikawa, Takumi Kuramae, Hiroyuki Nishiyama, Daisuke Numahata, Kaoru Yanagida, Ayumi Nakazono
article en

Abstract

<b>Background and Clinical Significance:</b> Pituitary adenomas, also termed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, pose a significant risk of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) after surgical resection, with profound consequences for fertility and sexual function in young patients. <b>Case Presentation:</b> We present the case of a 29-year-old man from rural Japan who developed severe HH and azoospermia following two transsphenoidal resections for a large pituitary adenoma. Despite early engagement with neurosurgery teams, fertility management was delayed by the absence of on-site endocrinology expertise and limited local oncofertility resources. After comprehensive endocrine evaluation and counseling, the patient began combined human chorionic gonadotropin and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone therapy, resulting in full recovery of sexual function and normalization of semen parameters, ultimately leading to spontaneous conception and the birth of a healthy child. Building on this real-world case, we provide a narrative review of current practical management strategies for HH after pituitary surgery, including the utility of hormone-stimulation tests, Japanese guideline-based subsidy systems, and best-practice approaches to hormonal replacement. <b>Conclusions:</b> This case underscores not only the necessity for early, interdisciplinary collaboration and preoperative counseling but also highlights a rare instance in which a patient with a benign tumor received care that did not address his fertility-related needs, emphasizing that such considerations should be integrated into preoperative counseling even for non-malignant conditions. Strengthening regional oncofertility networks and improving healthcare providers' awareness of fertility-preservation options remain essential for improving outcomes.

Reports — Medical Cases Images and VideosVol. 8(3)
University of Tsukuba (JP), Jichi Medical University (JP), Tochigi Medical Center (JP), International University of Health and Welfare (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 71%
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
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