Management of recurrent pituitary cysts with pituitary-nasal drain.

Pituitary cysts are usually craniopharyngiomas or remnants of Rathke's cleft. Histologically craniopharyngiomas are lined by stratified squamous epithelium whereas Rathke's cleft cysts are lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium. The management of pituitary cysts remains difficult because of the risks associated with attempts at complete removal and the chances of recurrence after inadequate resection. We describe 3 cases of cystic craniopharyngiomas and one case of Rathke's cleft cyst which recurred after surgery and were subsequently managed successfully with pituitary-nasal drains.