Transseptal Transsphenoidal Approach Research Articles

Primary sellar neuroblastoma pretending pituitary adenoma: A new case report and review of literature

Introduction Sellar neuroblastoma is hugely rare, only ten cases having been described in the literature. Primary intracranial neuroblastoma mainly occurs in children and arises in the supratentorial parenchyma. These tumors belong to embryonal central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance is non-specific. Management is primary based on surgical resection. Diagnosis relied on histopathological examination. Through this case, it seems relevant to consider neuroblastoma face to MRI atypical aspects of pituitary adenoma. Clinical presentation We report the case of a 58-year-old-man with a 3-year old history of a rapidly growing sellar lesion diagnosed preoperatively as a pituitary non-functioning adenoma. He developed progressive bitemporal hemianopsia and visual field loss. Endocrinal investigations disclosed a functional hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary stalk effect. MRI displayed a sellar and supra-seller mass extension compressing the optic chiasm, with intra-sphenoidal sinus development, skull bone lysis and bilateral cavernous sinus invasion. He underwent near complete surgical removal through an endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach. Histological and immunohistochemical studies yielded a diagnosis of neuroblastoma. Postoperatively his visual deficit improved. Neither endrocinal disturbance nor rhinorrhea occurred. He underwent fractioned radiotherapy a few weeks later. Discussion Primary sellar neuroblastoma could be easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma. Unusual MRI features could lead to consider this diagnosis. The optimal management seems to be surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. Some authors suggested adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with subtotal resection or recurrence however this is no consensual.

Endoscopic subperichondrial transseptal transsphenoidal approach is safe and efficient for non-extended pituitary surgery.

To report the results of a series of patients undergoing the endoscopic subperichondrial transseptal (STRAS) approach for pituitary surgery and to evaluate the efficiency and the safety of this approach. This is a single-centre retrospective study including all patients undergoing pituitary lesion resection through the STRAS approach from January 2002 to December 2017 by a multidisciplinary surgical team (ENT and neurosurgeon). Demographic data, tumour type, complication rate and pre- and post-operative visual, endocrine and tumour status were retrospectively analysed. 119 patients were included in the study, 80 (67%) presenting macroadenoma, 24 (20%) microadenoma (20%) and 6 (5%) giant adenoma. 61 (51%) patients had secreting adenoma and 51 (42%) patient had non-functioning adenoma. The STRAS approach allowed a good visualization of intrasphenoidal and intrasellar anatomical landmarks in all cases and no patient needed turbinate resection. No patient died or had neurological deficit. Endocrine remission or control was achieved in 90.5% of hormone-secreting microadenomas and in 84.2% of hormone-secreting macroadenomas. Gross-total resection was achieved for 39 patients (48.8%) of the 80 macroadenomas. Nasal complication rate was very low, with no septal perforation and two epistaxis (1.7%) medically treated. The STRAS approach is an elegant approach to the sphenoid sinus that enables a good exposure of the intrasphenoidal anatomical landmarks with a maximal preservation of the nasal mucosa. This approach allows an intrasellar work with great comfort and safety for the surgeon using a two-hand or a four-hand technique.

SAT-LB075 Pituitary Function after Surgery for Non-Functioning Macroadenoma: A Tertiary Single Center Retrospective Cohort

Introduction: Non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPA) represent the second most frequent cause of pituitary tumors after prolactinomas. For those patients that harbor a macroadenoma, surgery is indicated in case of visual function disturbances, risk for future optic nerve or chiasm compression, and tumor progression during follow-up. Hypopituitarism, in this context, is only a relative indication for surgery and the available data regarding postoperative hormonal outcomes are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of transphenoidal surgery on pituitary function. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 350 patients having had pituitary surgery in a tertiary center, from March 2004 to January 2018, and included 137 non-functioning or gonadotroph adenomas, on the basis of histology reports. There were 40.9% males and 59.1% females, with a mean age of 60 years old at the time of surgery. For 89.9% of patients, indication for surgery was based on visual impact or risk. Mean tumor diameter was 24.8 mm. Patients were operated on with a microscopic trans-septal transsphenoidal approach, by the same experienced surgeon. Hormonal evaluation data were retrieved and patients were classified as normal or deficient, by axis. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, before and after surgery, was also analyzed, and the average of the three diameters was calculated. Results: In our cohort, new insufficiencies were observed in 5.1% of patients for the GH axis, 9.2% of patients for the ACTH axis, 8.3% for the FSH/LH axis, and 1.6% for the TSH axis. Among patients with hyperprolactinemia prior to surgery, 71.4% normalized prolactin values postoperatively. Recovery of preoperative insufficiencies was observed in 45.5%, 15.4%, 35.7% and 30.4% for the GH, ACTH, FSH/LH and TSH axis respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with the smallest decrease in tumor size where at higher risk for developing new insufficiencies after surgery (odds ratio: 11.37, 95% CI: 1.13-114,96) and that male sex was associated with a higher chance of postoperative hormonal recovery (odds ratio: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.11-6.78). Conclusion: Pituitary insufficiency is restored in more than one third of patients after surgery for NFPAs, whereas, new deficiencies appear in less than 10% of patients with previously normal function, with ACTH axis being the most fragile and TSH axis being the most resistant to damage. Poor postoperative results, in terms of volume decrease, are associated with higher risk of new deficiencies. Unless otherwise noted, all abstracts presented at ENDO are embargoed until the date and time of presentation. For oral presentations, the abstracts are embargoed until the session begins. s presented at a news conference are embargoed until the date and time of the news conference. The Endocrine Society reserves the right to lift the embargo on specific abstracts that are selected for promotion prior to or during ENDO.

Endoscopic transnasal transseptal pituitary surgery

Pituitary surgery is performed via a transsphenoidal approach in the vast majority of cases according to various methods that have changed over the years. A microscopic transseptal approach via a sublabial mucosal incision or a nasal mucosal incision has also been extensively used. An endoscopic transnasal approach was first described in the 1990's, followed by the concept of a microscopic transseptal approach and an endoscopic strictly endonasal approach. We use an entirely endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach via an incision in the nasal mucosa for both access and tumour resection. This procedure has a number of advantages: strictly midline approach to the sella turcica, large operative field, no interference between instruments and a low rate of nasal complications.

Preoperative clonidine use in trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgeries – a randomized controlled trial

Background: Pituitary masses are common lesions accounting for about 15–20% of all brain tumours. Oozing blood is an annoyance in microscopic sublabial trans-sphenoidal approach for these masses. There have been many ways of reducing the ooze, having their own pros and cons.Objective: To find out the efficacy and safety of clonidine in reducing blood loss in pituitary adenoma surgery through a randomized masked trial.Methods: It was a prospective randomized controlled trial done. Total 50 patients of pituitary adenomas were randomized into two groups. Group A (25 patients) was given 200 μg clonidine orally, while Group B (25 patients) was given placebo. Surgeon, anaesthesiologist and patient were blinded for the trial. Sublabial trans-septal trans-sphenoidal approach to sella and excision of mass was performed in each patient. Patients were studied for pre-, intra- and post-operative blood pressure and heart rate, pre- and post-operative imaging findings, intra-operative blood loss, bleeding grading by surgeon, surgeon’s satisfaction about condition of specific part and quality of surgical field, operative time and extent of resection.Results: Blood loss during the surgery, operative time and bleeding grading by the surgeon were found significantly less in the clonidine group, while quality of surgical field, condition of the specific part and extent of resection were found significantly better in the clonidine group (p value <.05). There was no untoward adverse effect of the drug in the test group.Conclusion: Clonidine is a safe and effective drug to reduce bleeding in trans-sphenoidal microscopic pituitary adenoma surgeries.

Nasoseptal Flap Elevation in Patients with History of Septal Surgery: Does It Increase Flap Failure or Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage?

The nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been shown to be a mainstay in the reconstruction of skull base defects. We evaluated the efficacy and complications of NSF in patients with a history of septal surgery who had the potential risk of tearing and poor vascularity. We performed a retrospective chart and video review of patients who underwent NSF for skull base reconstruction between February 2012 and May 2015. Comparison was made between 18 patients (revision group) who had a history of septoplasty and/or transseptal transsphenoidal approach and 88 patients (primary group) without a history of septal surgery. Laceration when raising the flap, vascularity on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, viability on postoperative endoscopy, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage were compared between the revision and primary groups. Laceration of the flap occurred during NSF elevation in 2 patients (11.1%) in the revision group and 4 patients (4.5%) in the primary group (P= 0.269). Poor flap vascularity on magnetic resonance imaging was observed in 2 patients (11.1%) in the revision group and 8 patients (9.1%) in the primary group (P= 0.674). The rate of flap necrosis on endoscopy was 5.6% in the revision group and 1.1% in the primary group (P= 0.312). There was no significant difference in CSF leakage rate between the 2 groups (revision 5.6% and primary 10.2%). There was no difference in rate of CSF leakage or flap integrity between the 2 groups. Therefore, NSF for skull base reconstruction is feasible in patients with a history of septal surgery.

Endoscopic Modified Transseptal Transsphenoidal Approach for Maximal Preservation of Sinonasal Quality of Life and Olfaction

Patients experience significant postoperative sinonasal symptoms for the first few months after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach (ETN-TSA) surgery. We modified this technique by bypassing the nasal mucosa and approaching through the septum bilaterally. In this study, we analyze whether these technical modifications, which we have termed the endoscopic modified transseptal transsphenoidal approach (EMTS-TSA), decrease postoperative sinonasal morbidity after endoscopic TSA. We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database. Patients who underwent endoscopic TSA from December 2012 to June 2014 were included. Thirty patients underwent ETN-TSA, and 51 underwent EMTS-TSA. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20, anterior skull base nasal inventory, and visual analog scale (VAS) for subjective olfaction were evaluated before and 1 and 3 months after surgery. Cross Cultural Smell Identification Test also was measured before and 3 months after surgery. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and 3-month VAS for olfaction in the ETN-TSA group (from 92.5 to 81.3; P = 0.002) but not the EMTS-TSA group (from 90.6 to 88.8; P = 0.403). There was no statistical difference in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 or Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test scores between 2 groups during follow-up. The EMTS-TSA group scored better than the ETN-TSA group in the anterior skull base nasal inventory subdomain ("nasal discharge," "urge to blow," and "trouble breading") 1 month postoperatively. EMTS-TSA could preserve almost all nasal mucosa, including the septum and turbinates. EMTS-TSA may be useful for preserving early postoperative olfactory function and some sinonasal quality of life. We believe that EMTS-TSA is a good endoscopic pituitary surgery option.

Efficacy of controlling rhinosinusitis on the prevention of complications in pituitary surgery with transsphenoidal approach

The microscopic transcolumellar transseptal transsphenoidal approach (TSA) is the one of the most widely used methods for the surgical treatment of sellar and parasellar lesions. But nasal and paranasal sinus inflammation is the relative contraindications of TSA. This study was performed to investigate the results of pre TSA treatment options according to the degree of nasal and paranasal sinus inflammation on the paranasal sinus computed tomography scan (PNS CT). From January 2005 to September 2010, 145 consecutive patients underwent operation of pituitary lesions through the TSA. The preoperative CT images for these patients were reviewed, and 26 patients were identified with sinus opacification on PNS CT. We then analyzed presenting symptoms, physical and endoscopic examination, Lund-Mackay score on PNS CT and preoperative management of the sinus problem retrospectively. Twenty-six patients had sinus opacification on PNS CT. Eight patients had the symptoms of sinusitis corresponding to PNS CT finding, so they had therapeutic antibiotics, and had TSA after symptomatic improvement. Three patients had the symptoms of sinusitis and sinus opacification with mean Lund-Mackay score of 5.33, so they underwent endoscopic sinus surgery first, and they got TSA a few months after. One patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and TSA simultaneously. No patient had a serious complication including intracranial infection. TSA is a relatively safe technique, but intracranial complication after surgery may be fatal. Therefore rigorous evaluation and management is mandatory. It is especially important to treat rhinosinusitis issues preoperatively. Our preliminary data may be helpful to evaluate and manage the paranasal sinus inflammation before TSA.

Endoscopic Surgery of Cavernous Sinus Tumors Originating from the Extradura

In the present study, we explored the effects of various endoscopic approaches in patients with cavernous sinus (CS) tumors. Five endoscopic approaches, including the endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach, extended endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach, extended transnasal transmaxillary approach, extranasal extended maxillary sinus approach, and endoscopic transnasal transpterygoid approach, were selected for the resection of CS tumors from 36 patients. Thirty gross total tumors and 6 subtotal tumors were removed. After a follow-up period of 6 months to 3 years, 30 patients were determined to be recurrence-free, and 2 patients had unchanged residual tumors. One patient with a recurrent pituitary adenoma underwent a second surgery, and 1 patient with chordoma died because of an intracavernous carotid artery rupture 18 months after the operation. Various endoscopic approaches tailored to the origin and extent of the CS tumor were proven efficacious for the maximal and precise removal of CS tumors while avoiding vital structures.

Meta‐analysis of endoscopic versus sublabial pituitary surgery

To determine whether the endoscopic or sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary surgery has superior outcomes or decreased complication rates. Retrospective meta-analysis of literature. A MEDLINE search was conducted identifying all relevant literature in the English language from 1998 through 2010. Studies explicitly identifying pure sublabial or completely endoscopic approaches were included. Meta-analysis comparing the two techniques was performed for multiple outcome measures utilizing a random effects approach. A total of 21 endoscopic studies (n = 2,335) and 17 sublabial studies (n = 2,565) met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed significantly superior rates of gross tumor resection (79% vs. 65%, P < .0001), as well as lower rates of cerebral spinal fluid leak (5% vs. 7%, P < .01), septal perforation (0% vs. 5%), and postoperative epistaxis (1% vs. 4%, P < .0001) for the endoscopic approach compared to the sublabial approach. There was no difference between the two techniques in the incidence of meningitis, diabetes insipidus, or resolution of hormonal abnormality. Hospital stay (P = .01) was shorter for endoscopic surgery compared to sublabial surgery, and there was no significant difference in terms of length of operation. The sublabial transsphenoidal approach has been the gold standard for pituitary surgery for many years. However, meta-analysis of the recent literature demonstrates superior outcomes and decreased postoperative complications with the endoscopic approach, potentially justifying a shift toward endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Endoscopic Trans-Nasal Trans-Sphenoidal (TNTS) Approach For Pituitary Adenomas: Our Experience

Advances in optics, miniaturization, and endoscopic instrumentation have revolutionized surgery in the past decade. Current progress in the field of endoscopy promises to further this evolution: endoscopic telescopes and instruments have improved upon the optical and technical limitations of the microscope, and require an even less invasive approach to the sella. Pituitary surgery is traditionally within the realm of the neurosurgeon. However, since the reintroduction of the transseptal transsphenoidal approach and endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach to the sella turcica for resection of pituitary adenoma, otolaryngologists have been active partners in the surgical management of these patients. Otolaryngologists have lent their expertise in nasal and sinus surgery, assisting the neurosurgeon with the operation. The otolaryngologist has the advantage of familiarity with the techniques and instruments used to gain exposure of the sella turcica by transnasal approach. Hence, the otolaryngologist provides the exposure, and the neurosurgeon resects the tumour. Such collaboration has resulted in decreased rates of complication and morbidity. We hereby discuss our experience of treating 54 cases of pituitary tumour by endoscopic transnasal approach at our hospital.

Meta‐analysis of Endoscopic vs Sublabial Pituitary Surgery

Objective: Determine whether the endoscopic or sublabial transseptal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary surgery has superior outcomes or decreased complication rates. Method: A Medline search was conducted identifying all relevant literature in the English language from 1998 through 2010. Studies explicitly identifying pure sublabial or completely endoscopic approaches were included. Meta-analysis comparing the two techniques was performed for multiple outcome measures utilizing a random effects approach. Results: A total of 21 endoscopic studies (n = 2335) and 17 sublabial studies (n = 2565) met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed significantly superior rates of gross tumor resection (79% vs 65%, P &lt; .0001), as well as lower rates of cerebral spinal fluid leak (5% vs 7%, P &lt; .01), septal perforation (0% vs 4%), and postoperative epistaxis (1% vs 4%, P &lt; .0001) for the endoscopic approach compared to the sublabial approach. There was no difference between the 2 techniques in the incidence of meningitis, diabetes insipidus, or resolution of hormonal abnormality. Hospital stay ( P = .01) and length of operation were shorter for endoscopic surgery compared to sublabial surgery. Conclusion: The sublabial transsphenoidal approach has been the gold standard for pituitary surgery for many years. However, meta-analysis of the recent literature demonstrates superior outcomes and decreased postoperative complications with the endoscopic approach, potentially justifying a shift toward endoscopic pituitary surgery.

A case of sellar chordoma

Dnepropetrovsk Regional Clinical Hospital named after I.I. Mechnikov, Dnepropetrovsk, UkraineA case of sellar chordoma, combined with inborn frontal sinus abnormality at 36 years old man, is given. Tumor was removed using transseptal transsphenoidal approach under neuronavigation control. The diagnosis was verified on the base of data of histological and immunohistochemical tumor research.

Endoscopic resection of chordomas in different clival regions

Conclusion. The endoscopic approaches developed for the treatment of the chordomas according to the different clival location provide the possibility for more complete tumor resection with maximal preservation of anatomic structures and reduction of the overall incidence of complications. Objective. The endoscope has recently been applied in patients with chordomas, but rare studies report the various endoscopic approaches in the treatment of chordomas in the different regions of clivus. In this study, the authors present their experience with these techniques in patients with chordomas. Patients and methods. Four chordomas in the upper-middle clivus underwent an endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal (ETT) approach. Five macro-chordomas involving whole clivus underwent an extended ETT approach. Three chordomas in the lower clivus underwent an endoscopic transoropharyngeal (ETOP) approach. The surgical access points were designed for each patient. After safe planes were identified along the surgical access points, the tumor was fractionally removed. Results. Seven gross total, four subtotal, and one partial resection were achieved after surgery. At 6 months to 3 years follow-up, eight patients were recurrence-free and two patients had unchanged residual tumor. One patient with recurrent chordoma underwent second surgery and subsequent intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The other patient with a recurrent chordoma died 1 year postoperation.

Resection of extensive sellar tumors with extended endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal approach

The endoscope has recently been used to extensive sellar lesions, but the extended areas of the lesions and operative techniques vary from each study. Here we present our experience with extended endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal (EETT) approach to 16 patients with extensive sellar lesion and evaluate the feasibility of EETT in different extensive sellar tumor resection. Sixteen patients with extensive sellar lesion were operated by EETT approach in this study. The approach included unilateral posterior septum mucosa resection, posterior septectomy, extended ethmoidectomy and sphenoidoctomy, four tumoral circumferences (bilateral, superior, inferior aspects) isolated and subsequently tumoral removal from outside to inside of the tumors obtained. This surgical procedure is satisfactory for sellar lesion with different juxtasellar extension. After surgery, CT scan and MR image showed that total removal of the tumor was achieved in 10 patients. Six patients who received subtotal resection were treated with postoperative radiation therapy or gamma knife surgery. Two patients developed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak that was successfully managed by conservative treatment within 6 days after surgery. No other new postoperative endocrinological or neurological defects occurred. Six months to 5 years follow up indicated that all 16 patients with the visual disturbances and 4 patients with endocrine impairments have recovered or improved. One patient with malignant meningioma died due to recurrence of the tumor 2 years postoperation. Another one patient with malignant inverted papilloma recurred 1 year postoperation and underwent operation and radiation therapy again. The EETT approach might better facilitate the removal of different extensive sellar lesions with maximal preservation of important anatomical structures and nasal function.

Endoscopic Endonasal versus Microscopic Trans-septal Trans-sphenoidal Surgery of Sellar Neoplasms: Experiences with the First 150 Cases

Purpose: The microscopic trans-septal trans-sphenoidal approach for the operation of pituitary adenomas is safe and efficient. However, the range of action offered by this approach is limited because in most cases the supra- and parasellar space cannot be directly visualized and preparation of the tumor is merely an action of the surgeon's “feeling”. In addition, the anatomical landmarks within the sphenoid sinus are covered by the blades of the speculum retracting the septal mucosa. The endoscope offers a wide-angled view and brings the light directly to the target, thus promising relevant advantages in removing tumors exceeding the sellar boundary. We report on our experiences with the first 150 cases.

Vidian Nerve Schwannoma

Intracranial schwannomas are relatively common benign tumors arising from Schwann cells. Among the cranial nerves, the vestibular division of the vestibulocochlear nerve is the site most commonly affected by these lesions, followed by the trigeminal nerve. The authors report a case of bilateral schwannomas arising from both of the pterygoid canals. A 13-year-old girl presented with intermittent headaches and left-sided facial palsy. Preoperative computerized tomography scans and magnetic resonance images revealed nonenhancing round masses within the bilateral vidian canals, bone erosion, and sclerosis. The transnasal transseptal transsphenoidal approach was used to remove the masses. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully. On histopathological examination, the masses were confirmed as schwannomas. The clinical presentation and probable histogenesis of schwannomas arising in this location are discussed together with a review of the literature.

Bilateral vidian nerve schwannomas associated with facial palsy

Intracranial schwannomas are relatively common benign tumors arising from Schwann cells. Among the cranial nerves, the vestibular division of the vestibulocochlear nerve is the site most commonly affected by these lesions, followed by the trigeminal nerve. The authors report a case of bilateral schwannomas arising from both of the pterygoid canals. A 13-year-old girl presented with intermittent headaches and left-sided facial palsy. Preoperative computerized tomography scans and magnetic resonance images revealed nonenhancing round masses within the bilateral vidian canals, bone erosion, and sclerosis. The transnasal transseptal transsphenoidal approach was used to remove the masses. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully. On histopathological examination, the masses were confirmed as schwannomas. The clinical presentation and probable histogenesis of schwannomas arising in this location are discussed together with a review of the literature.

Endoscopie et traitement chirurgical des macroadénomes hypophysaires endo- et suprasellaires invasifs: Une série consécutive rétrospective de 13 patients

Surgery of invasive endo- and suprasellar pituitary macroadenomas remains difficult. The records of 13 consecutive patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery were analyzed in order to evaluate advantages and limitations of endoscopy for surgery of invasive pituitary macroadenomas.A transseptal transsphenoidal intersepto-columellar approach was performed with a nasal 0-degree endoscope. Removal of the macroadenoma was performed under the control of a microscope. When the tumor seemed to be completely removed with microscope, a rigid 30-degree endoscope was inserted in the intrasellar and suprasellar regions in order to detect residual adenoma tissue. These residues were removed when technically possible.No rhinologic complication was noted. In 7 patients, the intra- and suprasellar endoscopic view detected a tumor residue which could be removed in each case. Two cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred during the complementary tumor resection. Two cases of diabetes insipidus and two of rhinorrhea were reported postoperatively. The analysis of the postoperative MRIs showed a complete removal in 23% of the patients (3/13), 75 to 100% removal in 54% of the patients (7/13), 50 to 75% removal in 8% of the patients (1/13) and 50% removal in 15% of the patients (2/13). More than 75% removal was thus achieved in 77% of the patients (10/13). The mean follow-up was 27.2 months.Rhinologic morbidity was reduced with the endoscopic endonasal approach. Endoscopy complemented with a microscope offered an optimal view of the intra- and suprasellar regions. Endoscopy also improved tumor resection of the invasive endo- and suprasellar pituitary macroadenomas by visualizing hidden suprasellar tumor residues. However, endoscopy was associated with a higher rate of postoperative rhinorrhea.

Comparison of ciliary wave disorders measured by image analysis and electron microscopy

ConclusionWe have developed a simple, reliable method for the simultaneous determination of the ciliary wave disorder (CWD) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of actively beating cilia.ObjectiveThe CBF and the directions of beating cilia are two important components of mucociliary transport. Although lots of studies have been performed on the measurement of the CBF, there have been few studies on the direction of cilia, with the exception of those using electron microscopy (EM). EM takes too long to determine the directions of cilia, and it cannot determine the direction of actively beating cilia. The aim of this study was to develop an image analysis (IA) system to conveniently determine the wave directions of multiple actively beating cilia as well as the CBF.Material and methodsSphenoid sinus mucosae obtained from 10 patients undergoing pituitary tumor removal via a trans-septal trans-sphenoidal approach were divided into two 4×4 mm2-sized pieces. One piece was studied using IA, the other with EM. Using IA, ciliary wave directions were determined from 5 20×20 μm2 regions of interest and the mean of 5 consecutive values was regarded as the CWD of each sample. The CBF was also measured. CWD was also measured using EM.ResultsThe average number of cilia analyzed by EM was 102.50 (range 48–136). The mean CWDs determined using IA and EM were 28.25±4.84° and 23.59±8.16°, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the CWDs determined using these two methods (Spearman's correlation coefficient =0.648; p=0.043). The mean CBF of sphenoid mucosa was 10.50±2.20 Hz.