Microsurgical resection of sellar tumors via lateral supraorbital approach: clinical analysis of 20 cases

Abstract

Objective: To research the application of lateral supraorbital (LOS) approach for resecting sellar tumors. Methods: Clinical symptoms of 20 patients with surgery via LOS approach were analyzed retrospectively.According to the neuroradiological findings and the improvement of symptoms, and some score scale, the efficacy and safety of LOS were assessed for removing sellar tumors.There were tuberculum sellae meningioma (n=11), craniopharyngioma (n=4), epidermoid cysts (n=4) and pituitary adenoma (n=1). Results: Complete resection was achieved in seventeen patients(85%). The mean operating time was 144.0±54 minutes and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 96.5±51.1 ml.Four patients had post-operative fever, four had endocrine disorders, and one had seizure.No other complications were noted.Fifteen patients had visual function impairment before operation, seven of which were improved while one was aggravated after surgery.The median Karnofsky score (3-46 mon) was 95(0-100) and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at follow-up (3-46 mon) was 4.7(0-5). In general, the outcomes were improved in 18 patients and the mortality was 2. Conclusion: The resection of tumors at sellar region via lateral supraorbital approach is effecient, simple and minimally invasive, which can make the removal of the tumors reliably and safely.It is worthy to be popularized clinically.