Abstract: Objective To explore the application value of 3D printing technology in improving the pituitary function and complication of patients undergoing pituitary adenoma resection via transnasal transsphenoidal approach. 
Methods A total of 96 patients with pituitary adenoma were selected and divided into 3D group and traditional group according to the random number table method, with 48 patients in each group. The traditional group was treated with endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal resection, and on this basis, 3D group was treated with 3D printing technology. The perioperative conditions, pituitary function ［serum prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)］ and complications of the two groups were compared between two groups. 
Results The total tumor resection rate in 3D group was significantly higher than that in traditional group (P＜0.05). After operation, the levels of serum PRL, GH and ACTH in the two groups were significantly lower or shorter than those before operation, and significantly longer in the 3D group than in the traditional group, with a significant difference (P＜0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding, time of off-bed activity, and length of hospital stay in the 3D group were significantly lower or shorter than those in the traditional group, while the duration of operation was significantly longer than that in the traditional group (P＜0.05). The incidence of complications in the 3D group was significantly lower than that in the traditional group (P＜0.05). 
Conclusion The 3D printing technology can effectively improve the removal effect of pituitary adenoma resection via transnasal transsphenoidal approach, which is helpful to improve the pituitary function of patients, and can reduce the surgical trauma and complications. Therefore, it′s worthy of clinical promotion.

Key words: pituitary neoplasms, pituitary adenoma resection via transnasal transsphenoidal approach, 3D printing technology