Complications and prevention of single-nostril transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Abstract

Objective To discuss the common complications of single-nostril transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, and the prevention ofpostsurgical complications. Methods Clinical and follow-up (1-36 months) data of 241 patients with pituitary adenomas treated with single-nostril transsphenoidal surgery were collected and analyzed retrospectively by EXCEL software with regard to the patients' sex, age, tumor dimension and quality, postsurgical complications, and so on. Results Total removal of tumors was achieved in 171 (71%) cases, subtotal removal in 28 (11.6%), most removal in 26 (10.7%), and partial removal in 16 (6.6%). After the operation, 38 (15.8%) cases were found with transient diabetes insipidus, 12 (4.9%) cases with worse sight, 4 (1.6%) with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, 2 (0.8%) with unilateral oculomotor paralysis, and 2 (0.8%) with anterior pituitary insufficiency; during the operation, there were 2 (0.8%) cases with severe cavernous sinus hemorrhage, 2(0.8%) with nasoseptal perforation, no internal carotid artery injuries or death. Conclusions Though the damage of single-nostril transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas was small, there were a few complications. In order to prevent the complications and reduce the mortality, we should be familiar with the regional anatomy and better master the surgical skills, meanwhile, clinical experience is also very important in improving the therapeutic efficacy. Key words: Pituitary adenomas; Single-nostril transsphenoidal approach; Complications; Prevention