Endoscopic Orientation of Juxta-pituitary Carotid in Transsphenoidal Approaches: Critical Considerations for Clinical Applications

Abstract Introduction In sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined carotid bony landmarks, accidental injury of the internal carotid artery (ICA) remains one of the most challenging complications, which is particularly reported in the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches (EETAs). Objectives To describe an anatomical model for the endoscopic orientation of the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA in relation to the lateral opticocarotid recess (OCR) as a nearby bony landmark. Methods Dissection was performed progressively, simulating the EETA, in twenty fresh adult cadavers. After reducing the posterior and lateral walls of the sphenoid sinuses, various measurements were taken from both lateral OCRs to "contact points" on the juxta-pituitary segment of the ICA and lateral margins of the pituitary gland. Results The current results have enabled us to divide the region between the lateral OCRs into 3 compartments: 2 lateral parasellar compartments contain juxta-pituitary segments of the ICA with a mean width of 8 mm and a narrow range from 7 mm to 10 mm; and a central intercarotid sellar compartment represents the safe region for bone drilling, showing widely variable widths ranging from 9 mm to 20 mm. In all specimens, the variation in the width of the intercarotid compartment correlated with the distance between both lateral OCRs. Conclusion The present study improves surgeon awareness of the variations in the course of the ICA through the EETA along sphenoid sinuses with ill-defined bony landmarks. An appreciation of the measurements taken in the present study can help in operative training, and can also provide a base for future studies to confirm ICA courses associated with a higher risk of injury.

Current status of diagnosis and management of postoperative complications after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenoma removal / 中国综合临床

Pituitary adenoma is one of the most common intracranial tumors, and most of them can be well removed by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Pituitary adenoma is located in the sella, which can compress the pituitary and optic nerve, invade the sphenoid sinus and cavernous sinus, invade and grow in all directions, and affect the endocrine function at the same time. Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection (EETS) has the advantages of minimally invasive, close observation, panoramic view, high tumor resection rate and high preservation rate of normal pituitary function, but it can cause pituitary endocrine disorder, diabetes insipidus, electrolyte disorder, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, intracranial infection, cerebral nerve paralysis, tumor cavity, intracranial hemorrhage, rhinitis and other related complications. It affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. The postoperative complications of EETS are not only related to the pathophysiological characteristics of pituitary adenoma, but also closely related to the depth of understanding of pathology and anatomy of pituitary adenoma, surgical skills, proficiency and clinical experience. Familiarity with endoscopic anatomy and fine surgical techniques, rich surgical experience, strict preoperative endocrine function evaluation, hormone replacement therapy, etc. can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications of EETS.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for acromegaly: surgical outcomes using 2018 consensus criteria for remission

ABSTRACT Objective: The primary aim is to analyze the endoscopic endonasal surgical results in short-term and two-year follow-ups according to the 11th Acromegaly Consensus statement (2018). Indeed, prognostic factors and complications were analyzed. Subjects and methods: 40 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery by acromegaly between 2013 to 2020 was analyzed. Patients were considered in remission if an upper limit of normal (ULN) IGF-1 was less than 1.0 at the six-month and two-year follow-ups. Moreover, we assessed the Knosp grade, tumor volumetry, ULN, T2 signal in MRI, reoperation, and complications. Results: The mean age of admission was 46.7 years. Thirty-two patients were in remission after six months of surgery (80%), decreasing to 76.32% at the two-year follow-up. All microadenomas presented remission (n = 6). Regarding the complications, three patients had permanent panhypopituitarism (7.5%); postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks did not occur in this series. The hyperintense signal on the T2 MRI and a higher tumor volumetry were the single predictor's factors of non-emission in a multivariate regression logistic analysis (p < 0.05). Preoperative hormone levels (GH and IGF-1) were not a prognostic factor for remission. The re-operated patients who presented hypersignal already had a high predictor of clinical-operative failure. Conclusion: The endoscopic endonasal surgery promotes high short-term and two-year remission rates in acromegaly; the tumor's volumetry and the T2 hypersignal were statistically significant prognostic factors in non-remission - the complications presented at similar rates in comparison to the literature. In invasive GH-secreting tumors, we should offer these patients a multi-disciplinary approach to improve acromegalic patients' remission rates.

Long-term Recovery Patterns of Olfactory Function after Trans-sphenoidal Approach with Nasoseptal Flap Elevation

Abstract Introduction Nasoseptal flap is widely used in reconstruction of the skull base to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage after surgery for skull base lesions. There has been a debate on whether more severe olfactory dysfunction occurs after nasoseptal flap elevation than the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach. Objective To compare the long-term recovery patterns associated with nasoseptal flap and the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach. Methods The subjects were divided into the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach group and the nasoseptal flap elevation group. We followed up self-reported olfactory score using the visual analogue scale and threshold discrimination identification (TDI) score of the Korean Version of the Sniffin Stick test II for 12 months, with olfactory training. Results The study included 31 patients who underwent the trans-sphenoidal approach. Compared with preoperative status, the mean visual analogue scale and TDI scores in the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach group recovered 2 months postoperatively, while in the nasoseptal flap elevation group the visual analogue scale and TDI scores recovered 6 months and 3 months after surgery, respectively. Twelve months after surgery, the visual analogue scale and TDI scores in the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach group were 9.3 ± 0.5 and 28.5 ± 4.3, while those from the nasoseptal flap elevation group were 8.9 ± 1.5 and 27.2 ± 4.7 (p = 0.326; 0.473). Only one of the patients in the nasoseptal flap elevation group had permanent olfactory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory function recovered more gradually in the nasoseptal flap elevation group than in the conventional trans-sphenoidal approach group, but there was no difference between the two groups after 6 months.

Transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas in male patients: a retrospective study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Male patients with prolactinomas usually present with typical hyperprolactinemia symptoms, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. However, clinical factors related to sexual dysfunction and surgical outcomes in these patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of male patients with prolactinomas after transsphenoidal surgery and the risk factors affecting sexual dysfunction. This study was conducted on 58 male patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas between May 2014 and December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. We evaluated the sexual function of patients before and after surgery through International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, libido, and frequency of morning erection. Of the 58 patients, 48 (82.8%) patients had sexual intercourse preoperatively. Among those 48 patients, 41 (85.4%) patients presented with erectile dysfunction. The preoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores in patients with macroprolactinomas were significantly higher than those in patients with giant prolactinomas (17.63 ± 0.91 vs 13.28 ± 1.43; P = 0.01). Postoperatively, the incidence of erectile dysfunction was 47.9%, which was significantly lower than that preoperatively (85.4%; P = 0.01). Twenty-eight (68.3%) patients demonstrated an improvement in erectile dysfunction. Tumor size and invasiveness were significantly correlated with the improvement of erectile dysfunction. Preoperative testosterone <2.3 ng ml-1 was an independent predictor of improvement in erectile dysfunction. In conclusion, our results indicated that tumor size and invasiveness were important factors affecting the improvement of sexual dysfunction in male patients with prolactinoma. The preoperative testosterone level was an independent predictor related to the improvement of erectile dysfunction.

Changes of miRNA-138 and miRNA-26b before and after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors and their clinical significance / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To explore and analyze the changes of miRNA-138 and miRNA-26b before and after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors and their clinical significance.Methods:86 patients with functional pituitary tumors who underwent transsphenoidal surgery in Linyi People’s Hospital from Apr. 2020 to Apr. 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The recurrence within 1 year after operation was followed up and the patients were divided into unrecovered group (24 cases) and cured group (62 cases) . Clinical data such as age, gender, tumor pathological type, Knosp grade, first operation, tumor diameter, intraoperative tumor residue, Ki-67 and adjuvant therapy were collected. Fasting venous blood was collected before surgery and the next morning after surgery. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the serum levels of mircoRNA-138 (miRNA-138) and miRNA-26b (mirNA-26B) , and the changes of serum miRNA-138 and miRNA-26b levels before and after surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between serum miRNA-138 and miRNA-26b levels and postoperative prognosis, and ROC curve was drawn to analyze their predictive value for postoperative prognosis.Results:Univariate analysis showed that Knosp grade, tumor diameter, intraoperative tumor residual, Ki-67, and adjuvant therapy were associated with the recurrence of body tumor after transsphenoidal surgery ( P<0.05) . After operation, the expression of miRNA-138 in serum was higher than that before operation, and the expression of miRNA-138 in unhealed group (4.13±1.12) was higher than that in cured group (3.56±0.84) ( P<0.05) . The expression of miRNA-26b in serum after operation was lower than that before operation, and the expression of miRNA-26b in the unhealed group (2.34±0.62) was lower than that in the cured group (2.75±0.58) ( P<0.05) . Pituitary tumor hormone increased before operation and returned to normal after operation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥40cm (OR=3.476, 95%CI: 1.267-9.539) , postoperative tumor residual (OR=3.155, 95%CI: 1.236-8.052) , Ki-67≥3% (OR=3.885, 95%CI: 2.038-7.403) , postoperative serum miRNA-138 expression ≤3.62 (OR=2.323, 95%CI: 1.536-3.513) , postoperative serum miRNA-26b expression ≥2.59 (OR0.453, 95 %CI: 0.286-0.717) was an independent risk factor for the recurrence of pituitary tumors after transsphenoidal surgery ( P<0.05) . When the optimal cut-off value of serum miRNA-138 was 3.62, the area under the curve for predicting the recurrence of pituitary tumors after transsphenoidal surgery was 0.78, the sensitivity was 81.35%, and the specificity was 71.46%; the optimal cut-off value of serum miRNA-26b When it was 2.59, the area under the curve for predicting and predicting the recurrence of pituitary tumors after transsphenoidal surgery was 0.75, at this time, the sensitivity was 78.62%, and the specificity was 72.33%. The lower area was 0.83, the sensitivity was 85.47%, and the specificity was 72.38%. Conclusion:The expression of serum miRNA-138 was up-regulated and the expression of miRNA-26b was down-regulated after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors, and its abnormal expression was associated with postoperative recurrence, which has a good predictive value for predicting postoperative recurrence.

Evaluation and Current Clinical Progress of Invasiveness in Postoperative Residual Regrowth and Recurrence of Pituitary Adenoma / 肿瘤防治研究

Pituitary adenoma is one common type of intracranial tumors, accounting for about 10% of intracranial tumors. Although pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, the complete resection and recurrence prevention remain challengeable due to aggressive growth of tumor, limited equipment conditions and surgical techniques of the surgeon. The proportion of recurrent pituitary adenomas is rising year by year and the difficulty of treatment also increases. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent pituitary adenomas based on the summary data of invasive or recurrent pituitary adenomas cases in our center, including indication for the second transsphenoidal surgery, surgical techniques, and prevention and treatment of postoperative complications, to provide reference for clinicians in this field.

Analysis the status and risk factors of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection in patients with pituitary adenomas / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To understand the status of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection in patients with pituitary adenomas and to explore its risk factors.Methods:By using the convenience sample way, a total of 413 patients in pituitary adenomas who were admitted to the endoscopic transsphenoidal resection from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were selected as study objects from June, 2018 to December, 2019. The status questionnaire and factors questionnaire of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection in patients with pituitary adenomas was used to measure the status and factors of nasal bleeding. The risk factors were analyzed by single factor analysis andlogistic regression analysis.Results:There were 38 patients with nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection in patients with pituitary adenomas, with a incidence rate of 9.2%. Among them, 25 patients (65.8%) had precipitating factors of nasal bleeding, mainly sneezing and coughing (11 cases) and constipation (9 cases), and the bleeding season were mainly winter (13 cases) and autumn (14 cases), the average time of postoperative nasal bleeding occurred on the 13th day. The single factor analysis indicated that nasal bleeding related to hyperlipidemia, smoking, anticoagulants, constipation, intraoperative sphenoid artery injury, surgical approach (single and double nostrils), duration of surgery, nasal irrigation, red blood cells, platelets ( P<0.05). The Logistic regression analysis showed that anticoagulants, constipation, intraoperative sphenoid artery injury, nasal irrigation, platelets related to nasal bleeding ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The incidence of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection in patients with pituitary adenomas high, and have obvious triggers. The medical staff should focus on preoperative and intraoperative assessment, for the patients had anticoagulant history, constipation, low platelet and possible sphenoid artery and branch injury, should wary the nasal bleeding, nasal irrigation should used to reduce the risk of postoperative nasal bleeding.

Endonasal Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Resection in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Technical Report

Introduction The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) is routinely used to treat sellar and suprasellar tumors. It provides safe and direct access to tumors in these locations, with wide visualization of anatomical landmarks and great surgical results. With the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the high risk of transmission involved, various surgical procedures cannot be postponed due to their emergency. Case Report A 62-year-old female presented in the previous two months with headaches, followed by bilateral severe visual loss. In 2016, she was submitted to subtotal resection of a non-secretorymacroadenoma. Because of the progressive visual deficits, the EETA was used to the resect the pituitary adenoma. Technical Note We developed a low-cost adaptation to the surgical fields, covering the patient's head and superior trunk with a regular surgicalmicroscope bag with a tiny slit to enable the endoscope and surgical instruments to enter the nose, thus protecting the personnel in the operating room from the aerosolization of particles. This makes surgery safer for the surgical team and for the patient. Conclusion In view of the lack of literature on this subject, except for some reports of experiences from some services around the world, we describe the way we have adjusted the EETA in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trigeminal Ophthalmic Branch Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Schwannomas are the fourth most common primary neoplasms affecting the brain and cranial nerves. Central lesions commonly arise from sensory nerve roots, and a common intracranial site is the vestibular branch of the 8th nerve (>85%). We present the case report of a patient who has a schwannoma extending from the pterygopalatine fossa to the orbit, complaining about facial pain in the trajectory of the trigeminal ophthalmic branch. Schwannomas represent 1 to 2% of all neoplasms of the orbit, and trigeminal schwannomas are extremely rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all intracranial tumors.

Cerebro-spinal fluid leak in skull base reconstruction using hadad - bassagasteguy flap after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: A case series

Objective@#To determine the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after Hadad[1]Bassagasteguy Flap (HBF) reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for skull base pathologies from 2016 to 2020 at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. @*Methods@#Design: Case Series. Setting: Tertiary Private Training Hospital.@*Participants@#Charts of 35 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery with reconstruction using Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap between January 2016 to February 2020 were reviewed and data on demographics, date of procedure, mass size, final diagnosis, presence of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak, placement of lumbar drain and course in the wards were collected. @*Results@#There were 23 women and 12 men with ages ranging from 21 to 71 years. Four patients (11.4%) had postoperative CSF leak after reconstruction with HBF. Two of these four patients had episodes of nose blowing and sneezing weeks after surgery, prior to the development of the CSF leak. The other two patients experienced CSF leak 3 days postoperatively. @*Conclusion@#HBF has been a workhorse for reconstruction of skull base defects after transsphenoidal surgery, and based on our experience remains to be so, making it possible for expanded approaches and a wide variety of pathologies to be operated on via the endonasal route

Clinical effect of pituitary cystectomy in thirty-two patients / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To discuss the surgical efficacy of neuroendoscopic transsphenoidal approach for the removal of pituitary cystic lesion.Methods:Clinical data and efficacy of 32 patients with neuroendoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and pathological diagnosis of pituitary cystic lesion in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from March 2013 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the 32 patients, 29 patients were pathologically diagnosed with Rathke cysts and 3 patients with pituitary arachnoid cysts. The content of cyst could be completely removed and the relationship between cyst and sellarseptum and subarachnoid space could be clearly observed by using endoscopy. After followed-up for 0.5-1.0 year, headic, dizziness and visual impairment were improved. One patient relapsed, without serious complications or death.Conclusions:Transsphenoidal neuroendoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for pituitary cystic lesion.

Imaging Analysis of Onodi Cells on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Onodi cells are the most posterior ethmoid air cells, and extend superolaterally to the sphenoid sinus. The identification of Onodi cells is essential to because they can have some significant anatomic variations and relationships to vital adjacent structures, like the optic canal, the sphenoid sinus, and the internal carotid artery. Objective The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of Onodi cells and their position with respect to sphenoid sinus. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first study that uses cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the prevalence and position of Onodi cells. Methods We collected CBCT scan records from November 1st, 2016, to July 31st, 2017; the patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the present study. The CBCT scans were reviewed by two independent observers. The descriptive statistics was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, SPSS, Inc., Chicago IL, US) software, version 17.0. A cross-tabulation of gender with the presence and position of Onodi cells was evaluated using the Chi-squared (χ2) test. The inter- and intraobserver agreements were evaluated using Kappa (κ) statistics. Results Onodi cells were identified in 86 (42.8%) out of 201 patients. A subgroup analysis revealed that Onodi cells were present in 45 (43.3%) female and 41 (42.3%) male patients. The position of the Onodi cells was superior with respect to the sphenoid sinus in 43 (50%) of the patients, superolateral in 36 (41.9%), and lateral to the sphenoid sinus in 7 (8.1%) of the patients. Conclusion The present study indicated a high prevalence of Onodi cells, with approximately equal distribution among males and females, and mostly superior in position in relation to the sphenoid sinus.

Glioma del nervio óptico en paciente adulto con presentación hemorrágica tratado mediante abordaje endoscópico transesfenoidal extendido / Optic nerve glioma in an adult patient with hemorrhagic presentation treated by an extended transsphenoidal endoscopic approach

El glioma del nervio óptico es una entidad de muy baja incidencia en pacientes adultos, lo cual impide tener suficiente información sobre historia natural y conducta terapéutica en este grupo etario. En el presente artículo comunicamos el caso de un paciente de 27 años de edad con compromiso agudo del nervio óptico izquierdo debido a hemorragia intra tumoral, forma de presentación muy poco común en este tipo de tumores. Se realizó la resección mediante un abordaje endoscópico transesfenoidal extendido, con preservación funcional de la vía óptica contralateral. La anatomía patológica confirmó astrocitoma pilocítico positivo para el rearreglo KIAA 1549-BRAF. y negativo para la mutación BRAF V600E. Teniendo en cuenta la histopatología y biología molecular en este caso, la estabilidad visual contralateral y la resección quirúrgica amplia, se decidió no realizar tratamiento adyuvante con radioterapia o quimioterapia. El objetivo de esta conducta fue evitar lesiones adicionales sobre el quiasma, nervio óptico contralateral y/o hipotálamo. Dada la escasa información existente en la literatura médica, el reporte de este caso podría contribuir con información adicional en el manejo y conducta terapéutica de este tipo de lesiones.

The optic nerve glioma is a very uncommon entity in adult patients, with little information about its natural history and therapeutical management. We report the case of a 27-year-old patient with acute involvement of the left optic nerve due to intratumoral hemorrhage, a very uncommon form of presentation in this type of tumor. Resection was performed using an extended transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, with functional preservation of the contralateral optic pathway. The histopathology confirmed positive pilocytic astrocytoma with KIAA 1549-BRAF rearrangement and without BRAF V600E mutation. Considering the histopathology and molecular biology, the contralateral visual stability and the wide surgical resection, it was decided not to perform further treatment. The purpose of this decision was to avoid additional damage to the chiasm, contralateral optic nerve and/or hypothalamus. Given the limited data available in medical literature, the report of this case could contribute with additional information on the management and therapeutic approach of this type of tumors

Microsurgical and Endoscopic Anatomy of the Cavernous Sinus

Objective To describe the endoscopic and microsurgical anatomy of the cavernous sinus (CS) with focus on the surgical landmarks in microsurgical anatomy. Materials and methods Ten formalin-fixed central skull base specimens (20 CSs) with silicone-injected carotid arteries were examined through an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Fifteen formalin-fixed heads were dissected to simulate the surgical position in CS approaches. Results Endoscopic access enables identification of the anterior and posterior surgical corridors. Structures within the CS and on its lateral wall could be visualized and studied, but none of the triangular areas relevant to the transcranial microsurgical anatomy were fully visible through the endoscopic approach. Conclusion The endoscopic approach to the CS is an important surgical technique for the treatment of pathological conditions that affect this region. Correlating endoscopic findings with the conventional (transcranial)microsurgical anatomy is a useful way of applying the established knowledge into a more recent operative technique. Endoscope can provide access to the CS and to the structures it harbors.

Correlation analysis between short-term insulin-like growth factor-I and glucose intolerance status after transsphenoidal adenomectomy in acromegalic patients: a large retrospective study from a single center in China

ABSTRACT Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the associations of glucose tolerance status with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and other clinical laboratory parameters of acromegalic patients before and after the patients underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) by conducting a single-center, retrospective study. Subjects and methods: A total of 218 patients with acromegaly who had undergone TSA as the first treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Serum IGF-I, growth hormone (GH) and glucose levels were measured before and after surgery. Results: The follow-up levels for random GH, GH nadir, and the percentage of the upper limit of normal IGF-I (%ULN IGF-I) were decreased significantly. The percentages of normal (39.0%), early carbohydrate metabolism disorders (33.0%) and diabetes mellitus (28.0%) changed to 70.2%, 16.5% and 13.3%, respectively, after TSA. %ULN IGF-I at baseline was higher in the diabetes mellitus (DM) group than in the normal glucose tolerance group and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) /impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups before TSA, and the DM group exhibited a greater reduction in %ULN IGF-I value after surgery. The follow-up %ULN IGF-I value after surgery was significantly lower in the improved group, and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the reductions in %ULN IGF-I corresponded with the reductions in glucose level. Conclusion: This study examined the largest reported sample with complete preoperative and follow-up data. The results suggest that the age- and sex-adjusted IGF-I level, which reflects altered glucose metabolism, and the change of it are associated with improved glucose tolerance in acromegalic patients both before and after TSA.

Endocrinological Outcome of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Functioning and Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma

@#Introduction: The present study analysed the (i) remission and preservation of hormones, (ii) endocrinological and anatomical complications and (iii) visual improvement after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). Methods: The retrospective observational study of all consecutive cases of pituitary adenoma treated with ETS in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) between 2006 and 2015. Age, sex, preand post-operative hormone level, tumour size, and complications were noted. Results: A total of 67 patients were diagnosed with non-functioning pituitary adenoma throughout this period. Of these, 11 patients had both visual and hormonal improvement postoperation. Of the 27 patients with tumour invaded into the cavernous sinus, 13 showed an improved vision. In the adenoma patients who had impaired hormonal function before the surgery, the hormone level normalised post-surgery in 42 patients. Moreover, 39 patients were diagnosed with functioning pituitary adenoma. Ten patients recovered from acromegaly and four patients recovered from Cushing disease within seven days post-operative. Also, five patients with functioning adenoma suffered complications. Conclusion: Outcome for the preservation and hormone recovery in non-functioning pituitary adenoma group was satisfactory, with only one patient’s hormonal level worsening. No visual deterioration and mortality were detected throughout this study. A dedicated team specialised in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery further improved the outcome of this surgical method.

Clinical efficacy of transsphenoidal approach under neuroendoscopy in treatment of different types of pituitary tumors / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the best indication of neuroendoscopic surgery in patients with pituitary tumors by comparing the clinical effects of neuroendoscopic transsphenoidal surgery on patients with different types of pituitary tumors.MethodsA total of 92 patients with different types of pituitary adenoma received transsphenoidal approach under neuroendoscopy in our hospital from June 2016 to October2017 were selected, the surgical results were evaluated by comparing the postoperative hormone levels were normal or not and the tumor were resected or not.The patients were followed up, the physiological function (PF), physiological function (RP), emotional functions (RE) was determined by health measurement scale (SF-36) to evaluated the quality of life of patients.Results There were differences in clinical efficacy of neuroendoscopy for the treatment of different types of pituitary adenoma, the cure rate from high to low in turn was cortical hormone adenomas, growth hormone adenomas, prolactin adenomas, mixed adenoma, non-functional adenomas, the cure rate of functional pituitary adenoma was obviously higher than that of no functional pituitary adenoma, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).At 6 months after surgery, SF-36 result showed that PF scores was (76.30±8.68), RP scores was (78.37±19.05), RE scores was (71.54±21.54), and at 12 months after surgery, PF scores was (87.20±9.24), RP scores was (78.66±15.18) and RE scores was (87.80±17.67), which were higher in patients with functional pituitary adenoma than those in patients with non-functional pituitary adenoma, the differences were significant (P＜0.05).ConclusionThe treatment of functional pituitary tumor by neuroendoscopic surgery, especially corticosteroid adenoma, has the best effect, and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

Clinical Usefulness of Trasseptal Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Tumors with Septal Cartilage Removal and Replacement via Modified Killian Incision: Review of 42 Cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The conventional transseptal transsphenoidal approach can inhibit visualization of the surgical field and may change the shape of external nose. We used the transseptal transsphenoidal technique to remove septal cartilage except the L strut via a modified Killian's incision and preserved the ‘key-stone area.’ The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of this technique. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis was carried out on 42 pituitary tumor patients who received this technique by a single otolaryngologist from March 2005 to March 2012 at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. RESULTS: The mean patient age at time of surgery was 52 years, and 41 cases were pituitary adenoma and 1 was Rathke's cleft cyst. Three patients had undergone prior surgery; of which 2 used a pterional approach and 1 a transsphenoidal approach. With regard to complication, there were 2 cases of CSF leakage and 5 cases of septal laceration. There were no cases of meningitis, deformity of external nose, septal perforation, anosmia, or sinusitis. In post operation follow up, 25 cases (59.5%) had no residual tumor, while 17 cases (40.5%) had residual tumor. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that transseptal transsphenoidal surgery with septal cartilage removal and a replacement technique for a pituitary tumor are effective, allow easy exposure, and result in a low complication rate.

Efficacy and safety of pituitary adenomectomy purely endoscopically via a transsphenoidal approach in elderly patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma via neuroendoscopic-assisted transsphenoidal approach in elderly patients.@*Methods@#This was a prospective case-control study.Eighty-five patients with senile pituitary adenoma admitted to our hospital from May 2015 to February 2018 were consecutively enrolled in our study.Patients with pituitary adenoma were divided into the control group(n=42)undergoing conventional microsurgery and the observation group(n=43)receiving microsurgery via neuroendoscopic-assisted transsphenoidal approach.The effect of surgery, perioperative indexes(intraoperative blood loss, operation time, hospitalization time)and the serum level changes of prolactin(PRL), growth hormone(GH)and adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)before and after surgery were recorded and compared between two groups.The incidences of complications in both groups and the dimensions of life quality(physical, cognitive, emotional, social activities)before and after surgery were calculated and assessed.@*Results@#The total effective rate was higher in the observation group(88.4%, 38/43)than in the control group(69.0%, 29/42)(P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and hospital days were less in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05). No significant differences were found in serum levels of PRL, GH and ACTH between the two groups before and at 3 days after surgery(P>0.05). However, serum levels of PRL, GH and ACTH were deceased in both groups at 3 days after operation compared with before operation.The incidence of complications was lower in the observation group than in the control group(4.7% or 2/43 vs.21.4% or 9/42, P<0.05). The quality of life scores of the cognitive, role, physical, emotional and social dimensions were higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Neuroendoscopic-assisted transsphenoidal approach for surgical treatment of senile pituitary adenomas has less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time and lower complication rate, improves the endocrine hormone levels and the quality of life, and shortens the hospital stays.