Analysis of outcomes and learning curve of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries for 124 patients with pituitary adenomas

Abstract

To investigate the outcomes of the Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for patients with pituitary adenomas, analyze the learning curve and provide reference for future surgeries. Retrospective analysis was carried out on 124 patients by endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with a single neurosurgeon over a period spanning from January 2010 to January 2014 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.The changes of endocrine and tumor imaging before and after surgery were analysed. Operative time and complication rates of one surgeon in the early period of learning curve were compared with that in later period. There were significant differences in Gross total resection (GTR) rate of pituitary adenomas with different sizes and different Knosp classifications (P<0.01, P<0.01). GTR rate of huge adenomas was significantly lower than that of macroadenoma and adenomas (P<0.05). GTR rate of Knosp 4 grade adenoma was significantly lower than that of Knosp 0-3 level (P<0.05). No significant difference in GTR among all types of functional pituitary adenomas and hormone levels after surgery was observed (P>0.05). In addition, no significant difference (P>0.05) in complications among different sizes, Knosp grade and type of pituitary adenomas was observed.GTR of Knosp 4 adenoma in later period of the learning curve was significantly higher than that in early period (P<0.05). Meanwhile the operative time was significantly lower than early period (P<0.05). Endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection has the advantages of wider surgical field, higher GTR rate, less trauma, fewer complications and better life quality of patients.Through standardized learning, the GTR rate of the invasive pituitary adenomas can be improved.