ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the technique and clinical efficacy of single-nostril transsphenoidal neuroendoscopic resection of pituitary adenomas. Methods A total of 47 patients with pituitary adenoma, among them 21 were male and 26 female, aged 15-70 years old with a mean of 42.7 years, were treated with neuroendoscopic single-nostril transsphenoidal surgical resection in the Air Force General Hospital of PLA from August 2007 to August 2013. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively, including the operative results, complications, and follow up results. Results Post-operative MRI revealed that the tumor was totally removed in 38 (80.9%) patients, and subtotally in 9 (19.1%, the tumors were large and had invaded the cavernous sinus). Post-operative improvement of clinical symptoms was achieved in 40 (85.1%) patients, among them, headache disappeared in 35 patients, vision and visual field improved in 30 patients. Among the 47 patients, an increase in prolactin hormone (PRH type) was seen in 29, an increase in growth hormone (GH type) in 6, and non-functioning pituitary carcinoma in 12 patients. In 80% (28/36) of the patients hormone secretion was improved after the operation, including 23 of PRH type and 5 of GH type. Post-operative complications were diabetes insipidus in 10 patients, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 8 and meningitis in one. All the patients were followed up for 6 months up to 6 years, and no death occurred. Conclusion Single-nostril transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery consists of many advantages, such as minimal trauma, clear visual field, higher total resection rate, and rapid recovery after operation, therefore it is a safe and effective approach for the resection of pituitary adenomas.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess postoperative effects of microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) for Parkinson's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Intraoperative microelectrode recordings and microstimulation were used to explore the globus pallidus to performance of posteroventral pallidotomy in 48 patients with Parkinson's disease (47 unilateral and 1 bilateral). Assessment was made at baseline preoperatively and at 6 months intervals postoperatively, with unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were significantly improved on the limbs contralateral to the lesion side 6 - 34 months after operation (mean 24 months). The improvement was seen in the 'on' or 'off' state: UPDRS scores with patients on levodopa were improved by an average of 28.7%, while off medication scores showed reductions (47.6%) at 24 months. There were no deaths and no visual complications, but there were 4 patients (8.3%) of a delayed contralateral limbs dystonia after pallidotomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The techniques of microelectrode recording and microstimulation indicate the location of the internal capsule and optic tract, which allow easy identification of these structure and facilitate PVP target in conjunction with radiofrequency microelectrode stimulation.</p>