Delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery

Abstract

Delayed hyponatremia is a common endocrinologic complication after transsphenoidal surgery, also the most frequent cause of hospital readmissions post surgery. It usually occurs in the 5th to 7th day post operation. Patients can present without symptoms when they encounter mild or moderate hyponatremia, sometimes presenting symptoms such as nausea, headache and vomiting, etc.. In patients with severe hyponatremia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, cerebral edema and even death can occur. The risk factors related to this condition is various and complicated, and yet lack of standard procedures for prevention and monitoring. This article aims to provide a review of the literatures regarding pathophysiology, patient characteristics, monitoring and diagnosis, prevention and intervention of delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery, thus enhancing acknowledgement on this condition and providing evidence for clinical practice.

Keywords

• hyponatremia
• postoperative complications
• sella turcica
• review