Application of neuronavigation system for the transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the value of neuronavigation system in resection of pituitary adenoma through the endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Methods Twenty-one patients with pituitary adenomas underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scans studies. The image datasets were transported into the neuronavigation system. The anatomic information of approach was reconstructed for three-dimensional visualization and the best approach was designed. The midline structure and internal carotid artery were displayed in real-time intraoperatively, the anterior-wall of sphenoidal sinus and the floor of sella were accurately opened and the tumor was resected guiding by neuronavigation system. Results All the operations were smoothly and accurately performed under the neuronavigation by transsphenoidal approach. No injury occurred in the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus. After surgery, 13 patients got better vision and visual field. Postoperative transient diabetes insipidus was found in 11 cases, and CSF leak in 1 and serious hyponatremia in 2 cases. Total tumor removal was achieved in 17 patients and subtotal removal in 2 cases during operations, which were confirmed by postoperative MRI. Three-month follow-up data showed only one recurrence case (subtotal tumor removal), the recurrence rate was 4.8%. Conclusion Neuronavigation system provided real-time localization with three-dimensional anatomic information of the endonasal transsphenoidal approach during pituitary adenomas surgery. As a result, the approach proceeds more smoothly and accurately, the tumor can be resected more completely, the surgical injury and complications can also be reduced.