Abstract
Abstract Background: Sellar region tumors pose significant diagnostic challenges, with delays in neurosurgical referral, leading to irreversible complications such as visual loss. This study explores the causes and consequences of these delays, emphasizing misdiagnosis and systemic healthcare inefficiencies. Objective: To quantify delays in neurosurgical referral for sellar region tumors, identify contributing factors, and assess the impact on patient outcomes. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients referred to a tertiary neurosurgical center over 3 years, focusing on demographics, initial symptoms, time to referral, and outcomes. Results: The findings indicate substantial delays, with many patients waiting over a year from symptom onset to neurosurgical consultation. The majority were initially seen by non-neurosurgical specialists and often misdiagnosed with ophthalmologic conditions. Contributing factors included lack of provider awareness, socioeconomic barriers, and limited diagnostic resources. These delays correlated with worse outcomes, notably increased irreversible visual impairment, and advanced tumor stages at intervention. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for improved healthcare provider training, standardized referral protocols, and greater accessibility to diagnostic services. Addressing these issues is essential in reducing delays and improving outcomes for patients with sellar region tumors. Further research into innovative solutions, such as telemedicine and public health campaigns, is warranted to address the barriers identified in this study.
Published Version
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