ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Therapeutic modalities for pineal region tumours are still matter of debate. Endoscopic treatment is a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with pineal region tumours who underwent endoscopic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients (male:3, female 5) were included in this study. Post-operative evaluation of surgical outcome in terms of quality of life (QoL) was performed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). The patient's outcome scores were compared with normative outcome values of the German population. Pre-operative and post-operative global QoL and symptoms such as headache, visual disturbance, gait disturbance, cognitive function and unconsciousness were documented. Descriptive and explorative statistics were performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the normal German population and the endoscopically treated patients in different health domains and measures of QLQ-C30 (physical functioning 87.5%, emotional functioning 50%, cognitive functioning 50%, social functioning 62.5%; percentage represents regular functioning). Improved quality of life could be demonstrated in short-term (3-12 months, n = 3) and long-term (21-29 months, n = 5) follow-up. Global QoL improved significantly (p < 0.001; t-test) post-operatively. The following changes between pre-operative and post-operative clinical symptoms were found (headache 87.5%/62.5%, visual disturbance 50%/25%, gait disturbance 87.5%/25%, cognitive functioning 75%/37.5%, unconsciousness 25%/-). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of patients with pineal region tumours produces improved post-operative quality of life in all health domains. Therefore, the endoscopic approach should be considered as an alternative treatment in patients with newly diagnosed pineal tumours and/or related hydrocephalus.
