Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Approach Research Articles

Unusual Presentations of Sellar and Suprasellar Space Occupying Lesion: Our Institutional Experience

AbstractA pituitary abscess (PA) is a rare intracranial lesion. It is a critical disorder caused by an infectious process where purulent material accumulates inside the sella turcica. It occurs either as a primary disease or because of an infection and is associated with poor prognosis. In this article, we share our experience with PA. At our institution, we operated on five cases of pituitary abscess since 2016. All the cases presented with bitemporal hemianopia and headache. None of them had fever. Pituitary hormones were normal except in two patients with a previous history of hypothyroidism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed pituitary macroadenoma. They underwent the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach. Postoperatively their vision has improved. Endocrine functions were normal in all the patients following surgery. Culture sensitivity was sterile in all the patients. Diagnosis of pituitary abscess is highly difficult before surgery. Hence, the diagnosis should be considered when a patient presents with fever, headache, and signs of pituitary dysfunction and meningeal inflammation. Surgical and medical management leads to a lower mortality rate and a higher probability of hormone function recovery.

Review of first 60 pituitary adenoma cases of a skull base team, one center experience

Background: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid approach of pituitary gland is being effectively replacing microscopic approach. This approach need a lot of training and stepwise learning to reach perfection. This study discuss the experience and pitfalls of an evolving skull base team in one institute. Aim of the work: Analysis of first sixty pituitary adenomas patients operated by an evolving skull base teams in one institute, and highlighting modifications introduced in their technique. Methodology: This is a retrospective analytical study of the medical records of first 60 pituitary adenoma patients who had presented to one center and had endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach by conjoined skull base team. Results: There were 60 cases of pituitary adenoma; 23 males, and 37 females. Mean age were 46 years old. 37 cases (61%) had temporal field defect, 22 cases had visual acuity loss, 41 patients (68%) had nonfunctioning adenomas, and 18% were prolactinomas. Fifty two cases (86.6%) were macroadenoma, and 2 patients (3.3%) were microadenoma. 48 cases (80%) had suprasellar extension, while 19 cases (19%) had parasellar extension. Three cases (5%) were recurrent. Trans-nasal cavity approach was adopted in 58 cases (96.6%). 4 cases needed middle turbinate resection. Mean operative time was 3 hours. Gross total removal of the tumor were achieved in 49 cases (81.6%). Intraoperative CSF leakage occurred in 31 patients (51%). Failure of reconstruction occurred in 4 cases (6.6%). Mean duration of hospital, and ICU stay was 8, 2 days respectively. Postoperative temporary diabetes insipidus occurred in 35 cases (58.3%), 5 of them (8.3%) had permanent DI. Major CNS complications occurred in 2 cases (3%). Conclusion: The more experience gained the more modifications introduced to improve surgical outcome; more gross total resection rate, less morbidity, and mortality rates, less operative time, better quality of life of patients and less time and effort exhaustion of the team work.

Tailored Surgical Access to the Cavernous Sinus and Parasellar Region: Assessment of Cavernous Sinus Entry Corridors and the Periclinoid and Pericavernous Surgical Maneuvers

Lesions involving the cavernous sinus (CS) represent some of the most challenging pathologies of the skull base owing to the dense traversing and surrounding neurovasculature. Extradural exposure and preparation of this region, whether as initial preparation for a combined intra-extradural approach or as the main avenue of surgical exposure, can enlarge surgical corridors and minimize the need for brain retraction in this very confined space. We provide a detailed assessment of the entry corridors to the CS that are available within each approach, the surgical exposure and freedom provided by each of these corridors, and demonstrate how extradural and intradural preparation of these corridors can be used to widen the available working space and facilitate surgery. Pterional, frontotemporal-orbital, frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic, frontotemporal-zygomatic, perilabyrinthine transtentorial, and endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approaches were performed on cadaveric heads to access the perisellar and CS regions. Periclinoid maneuvers (extradural cutting of the meningo-orbital band, anterior clinoidectomy, unroofing of the optic canal, opening of the superior orbital fissure, displacement of the extra-annular structures, opening of the annulus of Zinn, and interdural dissection), pericavernous maneuvers (intradural cutting of the distal dural ring, mobilization of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, opening of the oculomotor porus, and mobilization of cranial nerve (CN) III), peritrigeminal extensions (extradural mobilization of CN V2 [maxillary] and/or V3 [mandibular]), and other surgical maneuvers were performed and evaluated. The CS was divided into 8 anatomical compartments and 9 entry corridors were described, and exposure and freedom were assessed accordingly. Intradurally, the standard unextended pterional, frontotemporal-orbital, and frontotemporal orbitozygomatic transsylvian approaches provided access solely to the parasellar entry corridor into the superior wall of the CS. Expanding these approaches with extradural periclinoid maneuvers allowed for subsequent application of the intradural pericavernous maneuvers and enlargement of the parasellar corridor and exposure of the carotid cave. Extradurally, the frontotemporal-orbital approach could be expanded via application of periclinoid maneuvers, which provided access to the anterior portions of the main lateral wall entry corridors. The frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic approach could also be expanded with periclinoid maneuvers to provide extradural access to all 6 lateral wall entry corridors. The extradural frontotemporal-zygomatic approach only provided exposure following interdural dissection, which allowed for access to the inferolateral entry corridors into the lateral wall. Extradural peritrigeminal extension in the frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic and frontotemporal-zygomatic approaches allows for enlargement of the supramaxillary and pre- and postmandibular corridors. The perilabyrinthine approach to the posterior wall was enlarged with opening of Dorello's canal and the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach was enlarged with opening of the optic canal. Targeted extradural preparation optimizes exposure and significantly improves access to deep-seated targets by enhancing surgical maneuverability through the unlocking of neurovascular structures and widening of surgical corridors without the need for additional brain retraction.

Assessing Risk of Severe Complications after Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Comparison of Frailty, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Comorbidity Scores.

Objective This study aimed to improve age-independent risk stratification for patients undergoing endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) approach to pituitary mass resection by investigating the associations between frailty, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and comorbidity scores with severe complications following TNTS. Design This study is a retrospective review. Setting This review was conducted utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Participants A total of 680 cases of TNTS identified from 2010 to 2013 were included in this study. Main Outcome Measures The modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated to quantify frailty. ASA and Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI) scores were obtained as physiologic status and comorbidity-based prognostic markers. Severe complications were separated into intensive care unit (ICU)-level complications, defined by Clavien-Dindo grade IV (CDIV) criteria, and mortality. Results Overall, 24 CDIV complications (3.5%) and 6 deaths (0.9%) were recorded. Scores for mFI ( p = 0.01, R 2 = 0.97) and ASA ( p = 0.04., R 2 = 0.87) were significantly correlated with CDIV complications. ASA scores were significantly correlated with mortality ( p = 0.03, R 2 = 0.87), as well as independently associated with CDIV complication by multivariable regression models (odds ratio [OR] = 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-6.83, p < 0.01), while mFI was not. CCI was not significantly associated with CDIV complications or mortality. A multivariable regression model incorporating ASA had a lower Akaike's Information Criteria (AIC; 188.55) than a model incorporating mFI (195.99). Conclusion Frailty and physiologic status, as measured by mFI and ASA scores respectively, both correlate with ICU-level complications after TNTS. ASA scores demonstrate greater clinical utility than mFI scores; however, as they are more easily generated, uniquely correlated with mortality and independently associated with ICU-level complication risk on multivariable regression analysis.

A Nursing Care Experience of a Patient with an Empty Sella Syndrome Presenting Repetitive Vertigo, Tinnitus and Post-Operative Rhinorrhea

&lt;p&gt;本案例為一名56歲女性因反覆眩暈及耳鳴，經檢查後初步診斷為良性陣發性姿勢性眩暈（Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, BPPV），接受右耳耳石復位術（Canalith Reposition Procedure），然而，隨著病程進展，接續出現關鍵性的前額眉心處的頭痛及視力模糊的症狀，藉由詳細地病史詢問、身體評估、及相關的檢驗及影像檢查，採用排除及納入相關診斷的鑑別過程，最後確診為蝶鞍空洞症，在詳細地病情解釋後，病人接受經鼻腔內視鏡蝶竇蝶鞍減壓併自體脂肪填充及鼻中隔皮瓣重建手術。不幸地，術後產生腦脊髓液鼻漏的併發症，在及時地重新評估、鑑別診斷及處置，有效的控制併發症避免神經功能惡化，最後病人順利出院，因此引發筆者撰寫動機，期望分享此病例照護經驗，提醒同仁臨床照護病人時需要時刻保持警覺，確保病人回復健康。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The case in this study is a 56-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with benign paroxysmal postural dizziness because of repeated vertigo and tinnitus after serial examinations. She underwent reduction of otolith of right ear (Canalith Reposition Procedure). However, her symptoms remained and subsequent symptoms of frontal headache and blurred vision occurred. Although symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and headache are common in Meniere&amp;rsquo;s disease, benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), cerebral infarction, etc. eventually we revised the diagnosis to the Empty Sella Syndrome through detailed inquiry of medical history, physical assessment, and image examinations.After well-addressed explanation of the clinical condition, the patient received endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach and packing sella with autologous fat, reconstruction by cartilage and nasal septal flap. Unfortunately, the sequel of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea occurred after the operation. By promptly reassessment, differential diagnosis with proper treatment, the complication was effectively controlled to avoid neurological deterioration, and the patient was discharged without further complication. I sincerely share the experience of this specific case with my colleagues. Keeping vigilant in clinical care of patients to ensure they could return to health.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Development and Application of Three Steps Training Mode for Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Approach.

The model of endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach (METTA) were made and the application of the 3-steps training mode in the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach (ETTA) training was discussed. The plastic skull model was used to make a simple METTA model; the multicolor and multi-material 3D printing technology was used to make a METTA simulation model and the perfusion cadaver head specimen was used as the gold standard training model. Then 3 neurosurgeons evaluated the 3 types of models. Level 1 training group only received perfusion cadaveric head specimen training; level 2 training group with 3D printing METTA model plus cadaver head specimen training, and level 3 training group with simple model, 3D printing model and cadaver head specimen training group. The authenticity of the model and the training effect were evaluated according to the operation time and the damage degree to the surrounding structures. The results showed that perfusion cadaveric head specimens scored the highest in each item. The simplified model was superior to the 3D printing METTA in simulating the shape and elasticity of pituitary tumor tissue. The score of surgical skill training was the same as that of 3D printing METTA. In terms of the training effect, the doctors who had received 3 steps training had the highest score, which was better than the other 2 groups. The application of 3 steps training mode with simple training model, 3D printing model and perfusion cadaver head specimen can improve the effect of ETTA operation training.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma and its Management

Introduction Over the past few decades endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal (ETNTS) approach has been practised for excision of pituitary tumours which has minimised the rate of complications and morbidity. However, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains a frequent complication requiring efficient management. Various skull-base repair techniques have been described in the literature all along, but there is no universal protocol for the same. Our study aims to determine an ideal strategy for skull-base repair following ETNTS surgery and suggest a protocol at the tertiary centre for the same. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, patients with pituitary adenoma undergoing ETNTS excision from January 2017 to May 2019 were included. Data were collected based on the intraoperative findings of grade of CSF leak following excision, surgical method for skull-base repair, biomaterials used, and recurrence of CSF leak postoperatively and its management. Results A total of 141 patients between 10 to 74 years of age (mean age 42.6) underwent ETNTS excision of pituitary adenoma. Intraoperative CSF leak was observed in 30.5% patients with 14.1% of grade I, 8.5% of grade II and 7.8% of grade III and repair was done with fat closure, multilayer closure and with naso-septal flap, respectively. Postoperative recurrence of CSF leak was found in 2.83% of total cases and 9.3% of patient with intraoperative leak, which were managed appropriately. Overall closure rate was 100% with no further recurrence of CSF leak. Conclusion Surgical repair of skull-base in CSF leak is challenging and requires management in careful and graded fashion for favourable outcome.

A case series and review of the mononostril endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach: Safe and effective in a low resource setting

BackgroundA transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) approach can be performed through a binostril or mononostril technique. The binostril technique is generally preferred, however the mononostril may be an underutilized approach with significant benefits. MethodsAll (n = 521) pituitary adenoma transsphenoidal surgeries performed from March 2008 until July 2017 at a university hospital in Indonesia were isolated. The majority (n = 512) were performed through a mononostril approach with no nasal speculum by a single experienced neurosurgeon. A PubMed literature review researching the differences in indications, techniques, and outcomes for both approaches supplements the case series. The mononostril surgical technique is described in detail. ResultsThe average mononostril operating time was 105 min. The most prevalent surgical complications were CSF leak (4.1 %), diabetes insipidus (3.7 %) and cacosmia (2.1 %). Visual field deficits noted in 85 %, 89 % improved. Length of stay was less than 2 days for 90 %, with 13 ICU admissions (average one day). Recurrence rate was 8.2 % at follow up (1–10 years). ConclusionsBased on a literature review, binostril TNTS surgeries have longer operative time and a higher risk of epistaxis. According to our experience, post-operative patient comfort and satisfaction are higher with the monostril approach. Furthermore, this technique is easier to teach, ENT assistance unnecessary, and thus especially advantageous in low resource settings. Our CSF leak and tumor recurrence rates were lower than reported binostril rates in the literature. The mononostril technique is both safe and effective and should be strongly considered for an appropriately pre-selected subset of pituitary adenomas.

Primary intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral hemorrhage mimicking pituitary apoplexy: A case report

Tumours growing in the sella turcica are mostly pituitary adenomas. We describe a rare case of primary intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral bleeding. A 38-year-old man presented with headache in association with bilateral supratemporal quadrantopsia. MRI showed an intrasellar mixed signal mass lesion with suprasellar extension. The majority of the pituitary hormones were normal. He was diagnosed as non-functional pituitary adenoma with pituitary apoplexy. Subtotal resection was achieved eventually via an endoscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal approach. The histopathologic diagnosis was schwannoma. It is the first intrasellar schwannoma with intratumoral hemorrhage in literature to date. It implied that the primary intrasellar schwannoma has potential risk of intratumoral bleeding, which should be considered in the differential diagnoses of sellar lesions.

Giant Cell Tumour of Clivus: A Rare Case Report

Giant Cell Tumours (GCT) of the skull is rare, being less than 0.05% of all skeletal tumours. They are usually located in the middle cranial fossa affecting the temporal, sphenoid, petrosal and occipital bone. Clival GCT is rarer and 15 cases are described in the literature. Authors report a case of a female patient aged 20 years, who complained of headache with decrease in vision of left eye. Neurological examination revealed left optic nerve palsy. Laboratory test of Vitamin B12, blood urea, Serum Creatinine, Serum Electrolytes were within normal range. Complete blood count showed mild anaemia. The serum calcium and parathyroid hormones were within normal range. Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were done, which demonstrated expansile destructive lytic lesion involving sphenoid bone and clivus, reaching upto sellar, parasellar regions, sphenoid sinus and left posterior ethmoid sinus, effacing left optic foramina and posteriorly effacing prepontine cistern. The left internal carotid artery was partially encased by the mass. The tumour was partially removed by endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach. Histopathology confirmed it as a benign GCT. Surgical treatment of clival GCTs are fraught with complication because of its close proximity to vital structures. High vascularity, potential malignant behaviour, inaccessibility and very few published cases preclude a definite outcome of this lesion. Histopathology is necessary to differentiate various lytic lesion like chordoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, invasive pituitary adenoma, chondrosarcoma and brown tumour (parathyroidism).

Avoiding Complications in Endoscopic Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma: A Beginner's Perspective.

Introduction:We aimed to analyze the difficulties and complications experienced while as a beginner in endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas.Materials and Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 83 cases done from June 2016 to August 2019. Navigation-guided endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach was used in all the cases.Results:Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 55 (66.26%) patients. We found that gross total resection rate was inversely proportional to Knosp grading, and the extent of resection was found to have a statistically significant correlation with grade of tumor (P < 0.05). Surgery-related complications were present in 33 of our patients. Nasal complications occurred in six patients: three epistaxis (3.6%) and two hyposmia (2.4%) and one case of septal hematoma (1.2%). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in six (7.2%) cases, two (2.4%) cases had sinusitis, while two (2.4%) cases had meningitis. There was a very rare case of subarachnoid hemorrhage and one case had sellar hematoma. Endocrinologic complications occurred in 15 (18.07%) patients: anterior pituitary deficiency in five (6.02%) patients, transient diabetes insipidus (DI) in nine (10.84%) patients, and permanent DI in one (1.2%) patient. There was no vascular injury or mortality noted in our study.Conclusion:Endoscopic approach is an effective modality for pituitary surgery; with patience, learning lessons from your own mistakes and by adopting right technique, learning curve can be flattened significantly.

Endoscopic Transnasal Trans-Sphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas: A Comparison to the Microscopic Approach Cohort by Propensity Score Analysis

Endoscopic Transnasal Trans-Sphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Adenomas: A Comparison to the Microscopic Approach Cohort by Propensity Score Analysis

Long-term olfactory dysfunction after single-nostril endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery

BackgroundOver the past decade, the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas has been widely adopted among neurosurgeons. However, olfactory disturbances have been observed after this procedure, and few studies on long-term (>6 mo) olfactory disturbance after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery have been conducted. Although we perform minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, some patients continue to experience hyposmia, with some even experience long-term hyposmia. This impairment results in a considerable loss in quality of life. We present a series of patients who underwent minimally invasive single-nostril TSS for pituitary adenoma, including evaluation of their olfactory function. We further investigated the related risk factors for long-term olfactory dysfunction. MethodsOne hundred sixty-one consecutive patients who met the study criteria underwent the single-nostril endoscopic transsphenoidal approach by the senior author. The Smell Diskettes Olfaction Test was used to evaluate olfactory function. ResultsPostoperative olfactory disturbance in patients treated with endoscopic transnasal TSS is frequent. Of the study population, 67.1% of the patients were hyposmic or anosmic and 14.9% had long-term olfactory dysfunction. We also performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to compare the characteristics of patients with long-term olfactory dysfunction. Nasal symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 6.77) and smoking (OR, 14.77) were associated with long-term olfactory dysfunction after transnasal TSS. ConclusionsSignificant disturbances in olfactory performance occur after single-nostril transnasal TSS for pituitary adenoma. Furthermore, preoperative nasal disease and smoking appear to be risk factors for long-term olfactory dysfunction. Physicians should address clinical findings related to olfactory function and provide appropriate care.

Endoscopic versus Microscopic Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy: Comparison of the Endocrine Outcome – An Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND: The transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach to the sella turcica is an overwhelming alternative to the microscopic approach for the past few decades assuming into prominence as a new technique, reaching nearly gold standard for this pathology. The endoscopic approach to the pituitary has redefined accurate visualization of the sella. The panoramic view afforded by the endoscope is unparalleled as compared with the traditional conical view of the microscope.&#x0D; AIMS: This study aims to compare both endoscopic and microscopic technologies, including advantages and disadvantages through the results of endocrine outcome.&#x0D; SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Our retrospective/prospective study included 46 microscopically and 39 endoscopically treated patients during the period of 2010–2018. Tumors were classified according to the diameter and clinical outcomes were evaluated.&#x0D; RESULTS: Our retrospective/prospective study included 46 microscopically and 39 endoscopically treated patients during the period of 2010–2018. Tumors were classified according to the diameter, hormone activity and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Comparison results revealed more efficacious and effective endocrine control and reestablishing the endocrine homeostasis utilizing the endoscopic technique, especially in secretory active macroadenomas. Further, the extension of the resection, which was better in endoscopic approach undouptedly contributed to better endocrine control of the disease. Complication rate, including endocrine, was lower following endoscopy compared with microsurgery.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: This technique evidenced to have a statistically significant reduction in operative time and length of hospital stay, as well as more radical safe resection and complication control. There is also a trend toward improved endocrine outcomes and rate of return of visual defects. These two approaches are still comparable with eloquent advantages and disadvantages, formulated as balanced dialectics. In addition, the use of endoscopes, including multilocular polifilament 3D endoscope, facilitates extended approaches, reaching a delicate skull base lesions that are suprasellar, retrosellar, and parasellar, which permits visualization beyond the abilities of the microscope.

Transnasal Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary Tumors: An ENT Perspective.

Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal (ETNTS) approach was first described in 1992 and is standard approach for the resection of benign pituitary adenomas. This prospective study aims in incidence and preoperative assessment of extent of the pituitary adenoma, peroperative findings of transnasal transsphenoidal excision, techniques of skull base repair, complications and its management in a tertiary centre. A prospective analysis from Jan 2017 to May 2019, of patients undergoing ETNTS approach of pituitary adenomas was made in terms of incidence in various age-groups, type of adenoma, operative findings including CSF leak, repair of the skull base defect, complications encountered and its management was done in a tertiary care centre and compared with the present literature. A total of 141 patients underwent ETNTS, with highest number of cases found in 41-50years age-group with mean age of 42.6years. Male: Female ratio was 1.6. Macroadenoma was in 123 patients while 18 had microadenoma, of these 63.74% were functional adenoma, highest of GH secreting, while 36.26% were non-functional. Mean surgical time was 98.4min ± 21.2min. Peroperative CSF leak was in 30.5% cases in various grades. Closure techniques included use of fat, multilayer techniques, Hadad's flap and gasket technique as per the type of CSF leak. Neurological and rhinological complications were 6.38% each. This study is focused on the ENT perspective of the endoscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas. The reduced rate of morbidity and complications is encouraging. The endoscopic skull base defect closure is challenging and requires skill, meticulous approach and synchronised team work in order to achieve a favourable outcome. The incidence of CSF leak can be minimised and if encountered has to be dealt in an organised manner, thus contributing to a reduced rate of complications. The complications encountered must be foreseen and managed with a proficient approach.

Early outcome of endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery in Kano, Nigeria

Endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at resection of pituitary tumors. This technique is widely practiced in developed countries but is presently gaining popularity in our environment. This study was aimed at presenting our preliminary outcomes as it relates to the technique of endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery in Kano, Nigeria. This was a retrospective study of patients with pituitary tumors that presented at a government tertiary and private specialist health institutions from October 2018 to December 2019. They all had excision of varying degrees of pituitary tumors via endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal approach under general anesthesia. There were 4 females (66.7%) and 2 males (33.3%) and their ages ranged between 25 – 60 years. They presented with varying degrees of clinical symptoms such as gynaecomastia, galactorrhea, irregular menstruation, infertility, intermittent headache and visual impairment. Four (66.7%) had complete tumor excision and 2 (33.3%) had incomplete excision. Four (66.7%) had complete symptom relief and 2 (33.3%) had significant improvement in symptoms. The complications of surgery were nasal septal adhesion 1(16.7%), CSF leak 1(16.7%) and transient diabetes insipidus 2(33.3%). All complications were resolved during admission and at follow up visits. Histopathological analysis of specimens confirmed 5 cases of pituitary adenoma and a case of pituitary Rathkes cleft cyst. Endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery is feasible and has a favorable outcome in our setting with prospects for improvement to ensure safety. Keywords: Nasal endoscopy, Sinus surgery, Pituitary tumors, Skull base, Hypophysectomy.

HYPOTHALAMIC HAMARTOMA. LITERATURE REVIEW

The study objective is to analyze scientific literature on hypothalamic hamartomas’ diagnostics and treatment. Materials and methods. We studied 90 scientific sources, published between 1948 and 2019. Results. The paper describes clinical picture of hypothalamic hamartomas, their various classifications, specificity of neuroimaging and neurophysiological diagnostics and pathomorphological research, the surgical treatment. Conclusion. Transnasal resection is a promising and noninvasive method to treat hypothalamic hamartomas of IV and V types by J. Régis classification. According to the scientific literature, stereotactic destruction can be used to resect hamartomas of I–IV types; types II and III require endoscopic transventricular approach, while types IV and V can be resected using endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach.

An advanced protocol for intraoperative visualization of sinunasal structures: experiences from pituitary surgery.

The transsphenoidal route to pituitary adenomas challenges surgeons because of the highly variable sinunasal anatomy. Orientation may be improved if the appropriate information is provided intraoperatively by image guidance. The authors developed an advanced image guidance protocol dedicated to sinunasal surgery that extracts information from multiple modalities and forms it into a single image that includes fine sinunasal structures and arteries.The aim of this study was to compare the advantages of this novel image guidance protocol with the authors' previous series, with emphasis on anatomical structures visualized and complication rate. This retrospective analysis comprised 200 patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenoma via a transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. The authors' standard image guidance protocol consisting of CT for solid bone, T1CEMRI for soft tissues, and MRA for the carotid artery was applied in 100 consecutive cases. The advanced image guidance protocol added a first-hit ray casting of the CT scan for visualization of fine sinunasal structures, and adjustments to the MRA to visualize the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) were applied in a subsequent 100 consecutive cases. A patent sphenoid ostium-i.e., an ostium not covered by a mucosal layer-was visualized significantly more often by the advanced protocol than the standard protocol (89% vs 40%, p < 0.001) in primary surgeries. The SPA and its branches were only visualized by the advanced protocol (87% and 91% of cases in primary surgeries and reoperations, respectively) and not once by the standard protocol. The number of visualized complete and incomplete sphenoid septations matched significantly more commonly with the surgical view when using the advanced protocol than the standard protocol at primary operation (mean 1.9 vs 1.6, p < 0.001). However, in 25% of all cases a complex and not a simple sinus anatomy was present. In comparison with the intraoperative results, a complex sphenoid sinus anatomy was always detected by the advanced but not by the standard protocol (25% vs 8.5%, p = 0.001).Furthermore, application of the advanced protocol reduced the cumulative rate of complications (25% vs 18% [standard vs advanced group]). Although an overall significant difference could not be determined (p = 0.228), a subgroup analysis of reoperations (35/200) revealed a significantly lower rate of complications in the advanced group (5% vs 30%, p = 0.028). The data show that the advanced image guidance protocol could intraoperatively visualize the fine sinunasal sinus structures and small arteries with a high degree of detail. By improving intraoperative orientation, this may help to reduce the rate of complications in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, especially in reoperations.

Sinonasal outcome after endoscopic mononostril transsphenoidal surgery: A single center cohort study

ObjectiveThe endoscopic endonasal approach has been well established for skull base surgery. However, there are only few studies pointing out nasal complaints after surgery. In this study, the authors evaluated postoperative nasal complaints and complications after mononostril endoscopic procedures. MethodsAll patients operated on parasellar and sellar pathologies at our department via an endoscopic mononostril transnasal transsphenoidal approach from January 2011 to May 2015 were analyzed. To assess specific postoperative nasal pathological conditions and complaints, a questionnaire was established. Applicable data of 79 patients with additional ENT follow-up could be included. Endpoints were the quantitative evaluation of complications and correlation of these data. ResultsThere was no vascular injury or worsening of visual function. Two patients had persisting CSF fistula and one of them meningitis. There was a significant decrease of nasal complaints during follow up after 2 years (p < 0.001). Further surgical treatment by ENT physician was necessary in 11.4%. Resurgery significantly increased the risk of postsurgical complaints (p < 0.005). The use of a tamponade significantly reduced the risk of postsurgical reduced nasal airflow (p = 0.026) and sinusitis (p = 0.002). ConclusionsEndoscopic endonasal procedures to skull base lesions achieve high radicality with low complication rates. However, they induce temporary and permanent nasal complaints and complications. Thereby, resurgeries increase the risk of nasal complaints and the use of nasal tamponades might increase the sinonasal outcome. Further prospective studies are necessary to objectify the evaluation of postsurgical nasal complications.

Limits of the endoscopic transnasal transtubercular approach.

The endoscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal transtubercular approach has become a standard alternative approach to neurosurgical transcranial routes for lesions of the anterior skull base in particular pathologies of the anterior tubercle, sphenoid plane, and midline lesions up to the interpeduncular cistern. For both the endoscopic and the transcranial approach indications must strictly be evaluated and tailored to the patients' morphology and condition. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the evidence in literature of the limitations of the endoscopic transtubercular approach. A PubMed/Medline search was conducted in January 2018 entering following keywords. Upon initial screening 7 papers were included in this review. There are several other papers describing the endoscopic transtubercular approach (ETTA). We tried to list the limitation factors according to the actual existing literature as cited. The main limiting factors are laterally extending lesions in relation to the optic canal and vascular encasement and/or unfavorable tumor tissue consistency. The ETTA is considered as a high level transnasal endoscopic extended skull base approach and requires excellent training, skills and experience.