Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery Research Articles

The learning curve in endoscopic transsphenoidal skull-base surgery: a systematic review

BackgroundThe endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) has revolutionized skull-base surgery; however, it is associated with a steep learning curve (LC), necessitating additional attention from surgeons to ensure patient safety and surgical efficacy. The current literature is constrained by the small sample sizes of studies and their observational nature. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature and identify strengths and weaknesses related to the assessment of EETA-LC.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for clinical studies on EETA-LC using detailed search strategies, including pertinent keywords and Medical Subject Headings. The selection criteria included studies comparing the outcomes of skull-base surgeries involving pure EETA in the early and late stages of surgeons’ experience, studies that assessed the learning curve of at least one surgical parameter, and articles published in English.ResultsThe systematic review identified 34 studies encompassing 5,648 patients published between 2002 and 2022, focusing on the EETA learning curve. Most studies were retrospective cohort designs (88%). Various patient assortment methods were noted, including group-based and case-based analyses. Statistical analyses included descriptive and comparative methods, along with regression analyses and curve modeling techniques. Pituitary adenoma (PA) being the most studied pathology (82%). Among the evaluated variables, improvements in outcomes across variables like EC, OT, postoperative CSF leak, and GTR. Overcoming the initial EETA learning curve was associated with sustained outcome improvements, with a median estimated case requirement of 32, ranging from 9 to 120 cases. These findings underscore the complexity of EETA-LC assessment and the importance of sustained outcome improvement as a marker of proficiency.ConclusionsThe review highlights the complexity of assessing the learning curve in EETA and underscores the need for standardized reporting and prospective studies to enhance the reliability of findings and guide clinical practice effectively.

Comparison of Response First Technique with Reversal First Technique for Quality of Extubation in Patients Undergoing Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Early and smooth extubation following anesthesia is an important concern in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery to permit early neurological evaluation and prevent complications. The aim was to compare the RESPONSE FIRST and REVERSAL FIRST techniques for quality of extubation (QOE) in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Fifty-six patients aged 18-60 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Statuses I-II, and undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors were randomized into either the RESPONSE FIRST group, in which neuromuscular reversal was given following the patient's response to oral commands, or the REVERSAL FIRST group, in which reversal of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) was given at the return of spontaneous respiration. QOE was the primary outcome. Hemodynamic response, jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2), time to extubation, and awareness during emergence were assessed as secondary outcomes. The QOE in the RESPONSE FIRST group was significantly better than the REVERSAL FIRST group (mean (interquartile range (IQR)), 18 (17-19) vs 14 (12-14.75), P < 0.001). Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were better in the RESPONSE FIRST group when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST group at the time of extubation, at 5 minutes, and 15 minutes following extubation (P < 0.05). SjVO2values were higher in the REVERSAL FIRST group as compared to the RESPONSE FIRST group during extubation and at 5 minutes after extubation (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the time to extubation between the groups (P = 0.73). The RESPONSE FIRST technique is associated with better QOE and preservation of systemic and cerebral hemodynamics during extubation in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery when compared to the REVERSAL FIRST technique.

Risk Factors for Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

(1) Background: Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery can be conducted via microscopic or endoscopic approaches, and there has been a growing preference for the latter in recent years. However, the occurrence of rare complications such as postoperative sinusitis remains inadequately documented in the existing literature. (2) Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of medical records spanning from 2018 to 2023, focusing on patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (formerly called pituitary adenoma). Our study encompassed detailed evaluations of pituitary function and MRI imaging pre- and postsurgery, supplemented by transnasal endoscopic follow-up assessments at the otolaryngology outpatient department. Risk factors for sinusitis were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. (3) Results: Out of the 203 patients included in our analysis, a subset of 17 individuals developed isolated sphenoid sinusitis within three months postoperation. Further scrutiny of the data revealed significant associations between certain factors and the occurrence of postoperative sphenoid sinusitis. Specifically, the classification of the primary tumor emerged as a notable risk factor, with patients exhibiting nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with 3.71 times the odds of developing sinusitis compared to other tumor types. Additionally, postoperative cortisol levels demonstrated a significant inverse relationship, with lower cortisol levels correlating with an increased risk of sphenoid sinusitis postsurgery. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings underscore the importance of considering tumor classification and postoperative cortisol levels as potential predictors of postoperative sinusitis in patients undergoing transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary surgery. These insights offer valuable guidance for clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals and implementing tailored preventive and management strategies to mitigate the occurrence and impact of sinusitis complications in this patient population.

504 Anterior-posterior Diameter Is a Key Driver of Resectability and Complications for Pituitary Adenomas With Suprasellar Extension in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery

INTRODUCTION: As endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches are more routinely selected for larger pituitary adenomas with parasellar extension, understanding potential anatomical factors that limit resection and contribute to complications becomes increasingly important. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of all endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension from 2015-2020 was performed. Preoperative MRIs were systematically assessed to assign a Knosp classification, a Zurich Pituitary Score (ZPS), and to measure lesional suprasellar dimensions. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression models were employed to assess the influence of these factors on extent of resection (EOR) and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients with suprasellar pituitary adenomas who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, 74 patients (77%) had a gross total resection (GTR). Neither Knosp grade nor ZPS were associated with GTR (Knosp 3A-4 versus Knosp 0-2, p = 0.069; ZPS III-IV versus ZPS I-II, p = 0.079). Multivariate regression identified suprasellar anterior-posterior tumor diameter (SSAP) as the only significant predictor of EOR (OR 0.951, 95% CI 0.905-1.000, p = 0.048*). Higher SSAP also showed the strongest association with an increased overall complication rate (p = 0.0003*) and intraoperative CSF leaks (p = 0.0012*). Further analysis of the regression model for GTR suggested an optimal cut point value for SSAP of 23.7 mm, above which predictability for failing to achieve GTR carried a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 41%. CONCLUSIONS: This study is unique in its examination of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical outcomes for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension. Our findings suggest that previously established grading systems based on lateral extension into the cavernous sinus lose their predictive value in lesions with suprasellar extension and, more specifically, with increasing suprasellar anterior-posterior diameter.

Related factors of delirium after transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary adenoma resection-A matched retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study is to explore the factors associated with delirium incidence in postoperative patients who have undergone endoscopic transsphenoidal approach surgery for pituitary adenoma. MethodsThe study population included patients admitted to Tianjin Huanhu Hospital's Skull Base Endoscopy Center from January to December 2022, selected through a retrospective cohort study design. The presence of perioperative delirium was evaluated using the 4 'A's Test (4AT) scale, and the final diagnosis of delirium was determined by clinicians. Statistical analysis included Propensity Score Matching (PSM), χ2 Test, and Binary Logistic Regression. ResultsA total of 213 patients were included in this study, and the incidence of delirium was found to be 29.58 % (63/213). Among them, 126 patients were selected using PSM (delirium:non-delirium = 1:1), ensuring age, gender, and pathology were matched. According to the results of univariate analysis conducted on multiple variables, The binary logistic regression indicated that a history of alcoholism (OR = 6.89, [1.60–29.68], P = 0.010), preoperative optic nerve compression symptoms (OR = 4.30, [1.46–12.65], P = 0.008), operation time ≥3 h (OR = 5.50, [2.01–15.06], P = 0.001), benzodiazepines for sedation (OR = 3.94, [1.40–11.13], P = 0.010), sleep disorder (OR = 3.86, [1.40–10.66], P = 0.009), and physical restraint (OR = 4.53, [1.64–12.53], P = 0.004) as independent risk factors for postoperative delirium following pituitary adenoma surgery. ConclusionsFor pituitary adenoma patients with a history of alcoholism and presenting symptoms of optic nerve compression, as well as an operation time ≥3 h, enhancing communication between healthcare providers and patients, improving perioperative sleep quality, and reducing physical restraint may help decrease the incidence of postoperative delirium.

A Simple Scoring System for Predicting the Risk of Delayed Hyponatremia After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

BackgroundsTo identify high-risk patients for delayed postoperative hyponatremia (DPH) early, we constructed a simple and effective scoring system. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 141 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) from January 2019 to December 2022. Patients were divided into DPH group and non-DPH (NDPH) group based on whether hyponatremia occurred after the third postoperative day. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictive factors of DPH, and a simple scoring system was constructed based on these predictors. ResultsAmong 141 patients, 36 (25.5%) developed DPH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥48 years (OR, 3.74; 95%CI, 1.14-12.21; P=0.029), Knosp grade ≥3 (OR, 5.17; 95%CI, 1.20-22.27; P=0.027), postoperative hypokalemia within three days (OR, 3.13; 95%CI, 1.05-9.33; P=0.040), a difference in blood sodium levels between the first and second day after surgery ≥1 mEq/L (OR, 3.65; 95%CI, 1.05-12.77; P=0.043), and postoperative diabetes insipidus (OR, 3.57; 95%CI, 1.16-10.96; P=0.026) were independent predictors of DPH. ConclusionThis scoring system for predicting DPH has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.856 (95%CI, 0.787-0.925), indicating moderate to good predictive value for DPH in our cohort, but further prospective external validation is needed.

Vascular Complications of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approach to Sellar Base Lesions

Objective: Vascular complications are one of the most dangerous complications of endoscopic skull base surgeries. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular complications of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in patients with sellar and parasellar lesions.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: Between August 1997 and July 2023, a total of 5300 patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for skull base lesions at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery and Pituitary Research Center. Patients with vascular complications during and after surgery were included into the study.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: We encountered 12 major vascular injuries, 116 epistaxis, and 50 operation site hematoma in our series.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Major vascular injuries are the most life-threatening complicastions. They can cause high mortality. The ways to prevent these injuries seems to have high experience and to investigate preoperative vascular evaluation in detail.

Medium and Long-Term Data from a Series of 96 Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgeries for Cushing Disease.

Postoperative data on Cushing's disease (CD) are equivocal in the literature. These discrepancies may be attributed to different series with different criteria for remission and variable follow-up durations. Additional data from experienced centers may address these discrepancies. In this study, we present the results obtained from 96 endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries (ETSSs) for CD conducted in a well-experienced center. Pre- and postoperative data of 96 ETSS in 87 patients with CD were included. All cases were handled by the same neurosurgical team between 2014 and 2022. We obtained data on remission status 3-6 months postoperatively (medium-term) and during the latest follow-up (long-term). Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathology results were obtained for each case. The mean follow-up duration was 39.5±3.2 months. Medium and long-term remission rates were 77% and 82%, respectively. When only first-time operations were considered, the medium- and long-term remission rates were 78% and 82%, respectively. The recurrence rate in this series was 2.5%. Patients who showed remission between 3-6 months had higher longterm remission rates than did those without initial remission. Tumors >2 cm and extended tumor invasion of the cavernous sinus (Knosp 4) were associated with lower postoperative remission rates. Adenoma size and the presence/absence of cavernous sinus invasion on preopera-tive MRI may predict long-term postoperative remission. A tumor size of 2 cm may be a supporting criterion for predicting remission in Knosp 4 tumors. Further studies with larger patient populations are necessary to support this finding.

Clinical study on the selection of endoscopes and microscopes for transsphenoidal surgery of non-aggressive pituitary macroadenoma and microadenoma and the influencing factors of hyposmia after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Transsphenoidal surgery, including endoscopic and microscopic resection, is the first choice of treatment for pituitary tumors. With the widespread application of neuroendoscopy in recent decades, there has been a trend to replace microscopes. In clinical practice, we have found that in transsphenoidal surgery for non-invasive microadenomas and macroadenomas, microscopy can achieve a higher total resection rate, shorter operation time, lower incidence of postoperative complications, and faster recovery of olfaction. This study aimed to explore the selection of endoscopes and microscopes for non-aggressive transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas and the factors affecting olfactory recovery. From August 2019 to October 2022, 93 patients with non-aggressive microadenomas and macroadenomas via the transsphenoidal approach were selected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and treated with rich experience in pituitary tumor subspecialty microscopy and endoscopic surgery. Different surgical methods were used to divide the patients into microscopic (n = 35) and endoscopic (n = 58) groups. The total tumor removal rate, intraoperative blood loss, operation time and cost, postoperative hospital stay, recovery of visual function, postoperative changes in hormone levels, complication rate, and recovery from complications 3 months after the operation were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the tumor removal rate, postoperative visual acuity, and visual field recovery between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the recovery rate of olfactory function between the two groups 3 months after the operation (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications (p > 0.05); Compared with the two groups, the microscope group had shorter operation time, longer postoperative hospital stay, less average operation cost and less blood loss, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The position of the nasal septum mucosal flap incision was a risk factor for hyposmia 3 months after the operation. Microsurgery and endoscopic surgery are suitable surgical treatments for nonaggressive microadenomas and macroadenomas. The total tumor removal and postoperative hormone remission rates of the two surgical methods were approximately the same. However, the microsurgery group had a shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, faster olfactory function recovery, and a lower average operation cost. The position of the nasal septal mucosal flap incision was a risk factor for hyposmia at 3 months postoperatively. Hyposmia is less likely to occur when the superior edge of the nasal septal mucosal flap incision is not higher than the lower edge of the ipsilateral superior turbinate.

The impact of surgeon's academic leave on surgical outcomes for endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors.

Endoscopic surgery has become the mainstay of pituitary surgery, but requires comprehensive surgical training. We evaluate the impact of a surgeon's academic leave during endoscopic training on surgical outcomes of patients with pituitary tumors. This retrospective study reviewed the surgical outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors performed by a single surgeon. The last 56 surgical cases were performed between July 2010 and August 2014 before academic leave (Phase 1 surgery group), while another 56 consecutive cases were performed between November 2017 and March 2020 immediately after the surgeon's academic leave (Phase 2 surgery group). Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and compared between the two surgery groups. Overall, most surgical outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery were not affected adversely by the period of academic leave. The operative time and length of hospital stay was lower in the Phase 2 surgery group compared to the Phase 1 surgery group (P<0.05). Postoperative tumor residual, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and reoperation also decreased significantly in the Phase 2 group compared to the Phase 1 group (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in patients operated using a one-hand/mono-nostril and two-hand/one-and-half nostril technique. Academic leave had no negative impact on most surgical outcomes for endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors. Moreover, a trend toward shorter operative times and length of hospital stays was noted for patients receiving surgery immediately after surgeon's return from leave.

Clinical and Operative Risk Factors Associated With Prolonged Length of Stay After Endoscopic Pituitary Adenoma Resection.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the most common intrasellar tumor. Clinically relevant adenomas have a prevalence of 1 per 1000 in the general population. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the most common surgical treatment and is the first-line management for most PAs. Most patients fare well postoperatively, but a subset of patients experience a prolonged length of stay (PLOS). In this article, we aim to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with PLOS after TSS for PA. Patients with sellar pathologies surgically treated at a single tertiary center from March 1, 2009, to May 31, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients older than 18 years receiving nonemergent endoscopic TSS for pituitary adenoma were included. Clinical and demographic characteristics were analyzed using χ 2 -tests and student t -tests. For those factors with a P -value less than .01, multivariate logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were constructed to estimate the adjusted odds of PLOS across predictive factors. A total of 301 patients were included in the study. This cohort had an average age of 54.65 ± 15.06 years and an average body mass index of 29.47 ± 6.69. The median length of stay was 54.9 hours [25th-75th percentiles: 43.5-72.9]. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak ( P < .01), postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) ( P < .01), increased surgery duration ( P = .01), and elevated maximal tumor dimension ( P = .01) were predictive of PLOS in logistic regression. Increased surgery duration, previous pituitary radiation, intraoperative complications, and postoperative DI (all P < .01) were associated with increased rate of PLOS in negative binomial regression. Patients undergoing endoscopic TSS for PA resection demonstrate prolonged lengths of stay if they have higher tumor burden, have lengthier surgeries with intraoperative complications, or develop postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak or DI. Careful monitoring of these factors will allow for better resource optimization, reducing costs to both the hospital and the patient.

Sellar Reconstruction With a Bioabsorbable Plate After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection: Safe and Efficacious.

To report outcomes of a large cohort of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for resection of a pituitary adenoma with subsequent Resorb-X plate (RXP) sellar reconstruction. A retrospective review of 620 EETS operations performed at a single academic center between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. A total of 215 EETS operations of 208 patients were identified between 2012 and 2020 who underwent reconstruction with the RXP after EETS for pituitary tumor resection with a final pathologic diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. Analysis of pooled data revealed a mean preoperative tumor volume of 6.8 cm3 (range: 0.038-51.03 cm3). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in 2 patients (0.93%). Postoperative meningitis occurred in 1 patient (0.47%). There were no cases of RXP extrusion. The rate of postoperative CSF leak and meningitis after use of the RXP for sellar reconstruction compares favorably to other methods, including use of autologous grafts and flaps. Use of RXP during EETS is a safe and efficacious method of sellar reconstruction and may obviate the need for autologous tissue reconstruction after pituitary adenoma resection.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for unusual sellar lesions: eight cases and review of the literature.

Preoperative imaging for some unusual lesions in the sellar region can pose challenges in establishing a definitive diagnosis, impacting treatment strategies. This study is a retrospective analysis of eight cases involving unusual sellar region lesions, all treated with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS). We present the clinical, endocrine, and radiological characteristics, along with the outcomes of these cases. Among the eight cases, the lesions were identified as follows: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) in one case, Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) in one case, Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) in one case, Ossifying fibroma (OF) in two cases; Sphenoid sinus mucocele (SSM) in one case, Pituitary abscess (PA) in two cases. All patients underwent successful EETS, and their diagnoses were confirmed through pathological examination. Postoperatively, all patients had uneventful recoveries without occurrences of diabetes insipidus or visual impairment. Our study retrospectively analyzed eight unusual lesions of the sellar region. Some lesions exhibit specific imaging characteristics and clinical details that can aid in preoperative diagnosis and inform treatment strategies for these unusual sellar diseases.

Intrasellar Arachnoid Diverticulae as a Risk Factor for Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery.

Intrasellar arachnoid diverticulae can often be identified on preoperative imaging in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. The objective of this study was to characterize arachnoid diverticulae both qualitatively and quantitatively in a large institutional cohort of patients with pituitary tumors and to evaluate its association with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Preoperative imaging studies of 530 patients who underwent primary endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors were examined both quantitatively and qualitatively for the presence of an intrasellar arachnoid diverticulum. A matched cohort analysis was performed to compare patients with a "significant" (>50% sellar depth) diverticulum with those with nonsignificant/no diverticulum. Morphologically, diverticulae were separately classified as Type 1 (ventral CSF cleft with no tumor/gland tissue between sellar face and infundibulum) or Type 2 (central CSF cleft with tumor/gland tissue between sellar face and infundibulum). Arachnoid diverticulae were noted in 40.2% of cases, and diverticulum depth was linearly correlated with tumor size and body mass index. A significant diverticulum was identified in 66 cases (12.5%) and was significantly associated with the functional tumor subtype ( P = .005) and intraoperative CSF leak ( P < .001). Type 1 clefts were associated with nonfunctional pathology ( P = .034) and the presence of suprasellar extension ( P = .035) and tended to be deeper than Type 2 clefts ( P < .001), with a higher incidence of intraoperative CSF leak ( P = .093). On logistic regression analysis, only the presence of a significant diverticulum was independently associated with intraoperative CSF leak (odds ratio 4.545; 95% CI 2.418-8.544; P < .001). The presence of an intrasellar arachnoid diverticulum should alert the surgeon to an elevated risk of intraoperative CSF leak during transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors. A relatively limited surgical exposure tailored to the craniocaudal extent of the sellar pathology should be considered in these patients.

Navigating the Surgical Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of Endoscopic vs. Microscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Outcomes.

Pituitary surgery, a critical intervention for various pituitary disorders, has sparked ongoing debates regarding the preference between endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approaches. This systematic review delves into the outcomes associated with these techniques, taking into account the recent advancements in neurosurgery. The minimally invasive nature of endoscopy, providing improved visualization and reduced morbidity, stands in contrast to the well-established track record of the conventional microscopic method. Examining outcomes for disorders such as Cushing's disease and acromegaly, the review synthesizes evidence from Denmark, Bulgaria, and China. Noteworthy advantages of endoscopy encompass higher resection rates, shorter surgery durations, and fewer complications, endorsing its effectiveness in pituitary surgery. While emphasizing the necessity for prospective trials, the review concludes that endoscopic approaches consistently showcase favorable outcomes, influencing the ongoing discourse on the optimal surgical strategies for pituitary disorders.

Effect of Resection and Surgical Experience on Survival in Patients with Craniopharyngiomas: Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery in Series of 31 Cases.

To share the surgical outcomes of 31 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) at a single center. This retrospective analysis of 31 craniopharyngioma cases (2013-2022) with a minimum 6-month follow-up included demographic data, preoperative findings, postoperative resection volumes, recurrence rates, pathological diagnoses, and complications. Herein, 34 EETS surgeries were performed on 31 patients (12 males, 19 females). The presenting symptoms included visual loss (58%), hypopituitarism (54.8%), and diabetes insipidus (25.8%). Gross total resection was achieved in 87% of the patients, with 64.5% total and 22.5% near-total resection. Total resection prevented recurrences, contrasting with 75% recurrence in the subtotal resection patients (p=0.000). The primary patients showed 73.1% total resection, while only 20% of the recurrent patients achieved it (p=0.049). When comparing the first 16 cases with the last 15 cases in terms of surgical experience, the rates of resection (p=0.040) and recurrence-free survival (p=0.020) in the last 15 cases were statistically significant. Patients with preoperative visual loss demonstrated 94.4% improvement or stability postoperatively. Postoperative complications included hypopituitarism (71.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus (60.8%), worsening vision (6.5%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.7%), meningitis (6.5%), and a 3.2% perioperative mortality rate. This study underscores the role of surgical resection in craniopharyngiomas, emphasizing the impact of surgical experience on recurrence-free survival. Primary surgery, with minimal complications and maximal resection, is crucial in managing recurrence challenges. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, particularly in experienced centers, offers advantages such as panoramic vision and access to the third ventricle base, facilitating total and near-total resection and extending recurrence-free survival.

Retrospective analysis of the outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease.

The first-line surgical management of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)--secreting pituitary adenoma causing Cushing's disease (CD) is endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the tumor. This study was performed to assess postoperative (postop) complications and remission in endoscopic surgically resected cases of CD. Data of patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for CD were collected from the neurosurgery department at a tertiary care center in a retrospective manner from January 2015 to February 2022 and analyzed. Postoperative remission was categorized as - early morning serum cortisol <138 nmol/L within 7 days of the surgery, as per the Endocrine Society Guidelines, with significant clinical improvement in features of hypercortisolism in the operated patient and strict cutoff rate of <50 nmol/L at postop day 3 was also utilized, to look for the early identification of remission. A total of 41 patients were identified who underwent 44 ETSS during the same timeframe. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging localized an adenoma in all 41 patients, out of which 32 were microadenoma, and nine were macroadenoma (2 with cavernous sinus invasion). Intrapetrosal sinus sampling was performed in 35 (85%) patients. The rate of remission for the initial surgery was 85.4% using the standard criteria and 68.3% using strict criteria. Three patients underwent early repeat surgery for the persistent disease as the day 3 cortisol was high (306-555 nmol/L). Once the outcome of this surgery was also included, the overall rate of remission was 90.2% (37/41). None of the patients had meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, visual deterioration, or vascular injury. Permanent and transient diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred in 9.75% and 26.8% following the first ETSS, respectively. We also noted a single case of CD recurrence in 9 months during the total follow-up period of 84 months. ETSS has satisfactory rates of remission for the primary treatment of CD, with rates being higher for microadenomas. A long follow-up period is needed to assess the rates of recurrence. Patients must be counseled regarding the risk of postop DI, whether transient or permanent, as a possible complication.

Empirical Gasket reconstruction of the sellar floor following endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: a single centre experience

Empirical Gasket reconstruction of the sellar floor following endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: a single centre experience

THE PLACE OF SURGERY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROLACTIN SECRETING ADENOMAS.

Surgery has lost a lot of ground as the main therapy of most prolactinomas as it is clear from the current guidelines in most prolactin secreting adenomas, even in the setting of optic compression. However, we believe that surgery is still an important part in the treatment of this type of adenomas. This study is aimed to define what is the role of pituitary surgery in the current setup of prolactinoma management. In this retrospective, single-center study we analyzed 12 consecutive patients who underwent primary endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinomas, between 2013 and 2022. Surgical indication, previous dopamine agonist (DA) treatment, remission rates, surgical complications, pituitary function and imagistic appearance are presented. Of the 12 patients included, 4 had giant PRL and 8 macroadenomas, while 9 of them had previous DA treatment. The main surgical indication was pituitary apoplexy in 5 patients followed by CSF leak after DA treatment, 3 cases, and DA resistance in 3 cases. The main surgical complications were transitory diabetes insipidus in 7 cases. Normalization of prolactin levels was achieved in 2 patients. Surgical intervention should be strongly considered in all patients with neurologic symptoms referable to the lesion, resistance to medical therapy, other treatment failure or with complications after DA treatment. The endoscopic endonasal surgery offers good surgical outcomes with low rates of surgical complications and should remain an open option for specific cases.

Clinico-radio-pathological predictors of outcomes in patients with acromegaly undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Acromegaly is a rare chronic endocrine disorder with variable biochemical remission rates from 40% to 85%. Hence, understanding the factors predicting biochemical cures helps in planning targeted and personalized treatment. We aimed to study the various clinico-radio-pathological predictors of outcomes in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) who underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) at 3 months follow-up. Our cohort included 61 consecutive patients with acromegaly treated at an institute in northwest India between January 2019 and June 2021. The outcomes of TSS were assessed at the end of 3 months postoperatively as defined by Endocrine Society Guidelines 2014. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 ± 12 years, with the majority being females (67.2%). The median tumor volume was 2376 mm3 with high insulin-like growth factor-1 levels (3.12 ± 1.76 times the upper reference limit). Forty-two patients (68.8%) had radiological evidence of cavernous sinus invasion. Overall, the biochemical remission rate at 3 months was 34.4%. Unlike preoperative Knosp grading, T2-hypointensity was not predictive of biochemical remission. The granularity of PitNET, as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) markers such as Ki-67 index somatostatin receptor subtype (SSTR2/5) and low-molecular-weight cytokeratin (CAM5.2) expression, failed to show any significant correlation with remission. Overall, bulky tumors, higher hormone burden, and advanced Knosp grades translated to lower rates of biochemical remission in the present study cohort. Contrary to earlier studies, conventional IHC markers such as Ki-67, SSTR2/5, and CAM5.2 were not useful for predicting biochemical remission at 3 months.