Transsphenoidal Approach Surgery Research Articles

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.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery: National database review.

Pituitary tumors surgery is increasingly performed via endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSP). This study describes outcomes of TSP surgery in the United States. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with pituitary adenoma was performed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010-2015. A total of 5891 patients were identified. The average age was 51.29 ± 0.29 years. The risk of postoperative epistaxis, diabetes insipidus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and other general postoperative complications was 0.71%, 10.20%, 8.35%, and 2.37%, respectively. Independent risk factors of CSF leak included: age <65-year, male, body mass index ≥25, and multiple comorbidities (p< 0.001 each). The prevalence of CSF leak was not associated with hospital TSP volume and teaching status. This study provides a national epidemiological perspective on TSP in the United States. The risk of postoperative CSF leak appears to be associated with intrinsic patient factors rather than resource and expertise availability.

Recurrent epistaxis from inflamed granulated tissue and an associated pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery: case report

BackgroundChronic inflamed tissue in nasal cavity is a rare complication of transsphenoidal approach (TSA). Inflamed tissue is rich in blood vessels, which can lead to frequent nosebleeds. In addition, chronic inflammation can cause pseudoaneurysm, whose rupture results in massive epistaxis. There have been few reported cases of pseudoaneurysm of ICA occurring more than 10 years after TSA surgery.Case presentationWe report a case of a patient who had recurrent epistaxis for over a decade after TSA surgery, and analyzed the causes of the nosebleeds. The aspect of occurrence of the nosebleeds and the result of biopsy and imaging tests suggest that the nosebleeds were due to chronic inflamed tissue and an associated pseudoaneurysm. The rupture of pseudoaneurysm recurred after treatment with stent placement, and brain abscess was developed. After removing the inflamed tissue by endoscopic resection, the patient no longer had recurrence of ruptured pseudoaneurysm or nosebleeds.ConclusionsIn patients with recurrent nosebleeds, the possibility of intranasal inflammation and subsequent pseudoaneurysm should be considered. Therefore, people who consistently have epistaxis after TSA, even if the bleeding is not in large amount, should be actively screened and treated for nasal chronic inflammation.

Sandwich technique using fibrin-coated collagen fleece for sellar reconstruction in large dural defects during transsphenoidal surgery

PurposeVarious surgical methods to prevent intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during transsphenoidal approach (TSA) surgeries have been reported, but surgical techniques to address large dural defects have been less thoroughly investigated in the literature. The authors retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of the sandwich technique using fibrin-coated collagen fleece (TachoSil) to prevent intraoperative CSF leakage from large dural defects in TSA surgery. MethodsIn total, 101 cases of intraoperative CSF leaks were observed among 465 patients who underwent TSA surgery at a single university hospital between 2002 and 2014. Among them, cases with Grade 3 intraoperative CSF leakages and large diaphragmatic/dural defects were reconstructed via the sandwich technique using TachoSil or via the conventional technique using simple intrasellar packing with fat or synthetic materials, and these cases were enrolled in this study. ResultsA total of 28 cases with Grade 3 intraoperative CSF leakages were identified and analyzed. The sandwich technique using TachoSil was applied in 13 cases, and the conventional technique was applied in 15 cases. The postoperative CSF leakage was significantly decreased by the sandwich technique as compared to the conventional technique (retrospectively, 0 cases vs. 4 cases (30.8%); P=0.044). ConclusionThe sandwich technique using TachoSil can effectively prevent CSF leakage in cases with large dural defects during TSA surgery.

Intrasellar Cavernous Hemangioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Intrasellar cavernous hemangioma is rare. There are no specific symptoms and the mass effect often mimics pituitary macroadenoma. We present one case of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma that was misdiagnosed. Progressively decreasing vision was the main symptom in this case. The prolactin level was mildly increased but other biochemistry examinations were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an enlarged pituitary fossa and an irregular solid tumor (33 mm × 22 mm × 22 mm) in the sella turcica and parasellar region. Subtotal removal in the case was performed through a transsphenoidal approach. Postoperatively, the patient's visual acuity improved. Through a literature review of 8 intrasellar cavernous hemangiomas, we found most lesions are likely to extend into the suprasellar cistern and cavernous sinus, and total resection is difficult. Transsphenoidal approach surgery should be applied for decompression of the optic nerve and biopsy, and stereotactic radiosurgery is preferable.

Surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of pituitary adenomas of childhood and adolescence. Methods: Thisarticle was a retrospective study of 140 pituitary adenomas of childhood and adolescence that was admitted into Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 1987 to December 2014, whose clinical manifestations, hormone secretions, images, pathological types, surgical complications and follow-ups were studied. Results: A total of 58 (41.4%) males and 82 females (58.6%) were included, whose mean age was 12.5 years old (age range from 7 to 18). As for the type of tumors, ACTH adenoma, PRL adenoma, GH adenoma, non-functional adenoma and multiple-secreting adenoma accounted for 35.7%, 25.7%, 12.2%, 25.7% and 0.7%, respectively. Microadenoma accounted for 33.6% of total patients, while macroadenoma and giant adenoma accounted for 60.0% and 6.4% respectively. 19.3% of adenomas in our study wereinvasive. Transsphenoidal approach surgery was commonly used and accounted for 97.9% of cases in our study, 2 of which used intraoperative navigation assistance. Total resection was achieved in 93.6% of patients, and the rest achieved subtotal resection. 108 (77.1%) patients got full term follow-up until 1 year after surgery, and tumor recurred in 14 patients (13.0%). Conclusions: ACTH-secreting adenoma is the most common pituitary adenoma in childhood and adolescence which need surgical treatment. Transsphenoidal approach surgery is the most commonly used surgical procedure. The recurrence rate is about 13%, and the patients need regular examination of pituitary hormones and image study to confirm the recurrence.

Intranasal Volume Changes Caused by the Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach and Their Effects on Nasal Functions.

ObjectiveWe evaluated postoperative changes in nasal cavity volume and their effects on nasal function and symptoms after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for antero-central skull base surgery.Study DesignRetrospective chart review at a tertiary referral center.MethodsWe studied 92 patients who underwent binostril, four-hand, endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach surgery using the bilateral modified nasoseptal rescue flap technique. Pre- and postoperative paranasal computed tomography and the Mimics® program were used to assess nasal cavity volume changes at three sections. We also performed several pre- and postoperative tests, including the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test, Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test, Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation, and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20. In addition, a visual analog scale was used to record subjective symptoms. We compared these data with the pre- and postoperative nasal cavity volumes.ResultsThree-dimensional, objective increases in nasal passage volumes were evident between the inferior and middle turbinates (p<0.001) and between the superior turbinate and choana (p = 0.006) postoperatively. However, these did not correlate with subjectively assessed symptoms (NOSE, SNOT-20 and VAS; all nasal cavity areas; p≥0.05) or olfactory dysfunction (CCCRC and CCSIT test; all nasal cavity areas; p≥0.05).ConclusionSkull base tumor surgery via an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach altered the patients’ nasal anatomy, but the changes in nasal cavity volumes did not affect nasal function or symptoms. These results will help surgeons to appropriately expose the surgical field during an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach.

Anatomic Changes Caused by Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery and Their Effects on Nasal Functions.

We evaluated postoperative changes in nasal cavity dimensions and their effects on nasal functions and symptoms. Case series with chart review. Tertiary referral center. We studied patients who underwent binostril, 4-hand endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach surgery with the bilateral modified nasoseptal rescue flap technique. Pre- and postoperative paranasal computed tomography scans were used to assess nasal cavity dimensional changes at 4 levels. We also performed several pre- and postoperative tests, including the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test and the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (n = 119) to evaluate olfactory functions. Also, the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20, and a visual analog scale were used (n = 157) to record subjective symptoms. We compared these data with the pre- and postoperative nasal cavity dimensions. Two-dimensional objective increases in nasal passage dimensions were evident postoperatively (all cross-sectional areas, P < .001, except choana and left inferior turbinate). However, these did not correlate with subjectively assessed symptoms (Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation, all cross-sectional areas, P ≥ .05, except right middle turbinate; Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20, all cross-sectional areas, P ≥ .05) or olfactory dysfunction evaluated with the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test (all cross-sectional areas, P ≥ .05) or the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (all cross-sectional areas, P ≥ .05). Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach surgery altered the patients' nasal anatomy, but the changes in nasal cavity dimensions did not affect nasal functions and symptoms. These results will help surgeons to appropriately expose the surgical field during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach surgery.

Sealing of cerebrospinal fluid leakage during conventional transsphenoidal surgery using a fibrin-coated collagen fleece

The prevention of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a key feature of the transsphenoidal approach (TSA) to the pituitary fossa. Although fibrin-coated collagen fleece (Tachosil, Nycomed, Linz, Austria) is a powerful topical hemostatic agent whose usage is increasing in open neurosurgery, the use of Tachosil in TSA surgery has not yet gained wide clinical acceptance. We retrospectively evaluated whether the lone use of Tachosil without additional packing material or postoperative lumbar drainage was effective to prevent CSF leakage in TSA surgery in 101 patients. Additionally, we compared it to a conventional sellar closure technique in 54 patients. Only two (1.9%) of the patients in the Tachosil application group developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea. No other postoperative complications occurred, including infection or material detachment. However, in the conventional packing group, five (9.3%) patients developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea and one (1.9%) developed meningitis during the postoperative period. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Tachosil treatment group than in the standard closure group. These results may indicate that sellar repair using Tachosil can be effective to prevent CSF leakage after TSA surgery, and obviate the need for an autologous tissue graft or postoperative lumbar drainage.

Rhinologic Outcomes of Concurrent Operation for Pituitary Adenoma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: An Early Experience

The transsphenoidal approach (TSA) is the procedure of choice for the vast majority of pituitary neoplasms. Sinusitis is considered a contraindication to TSA because of possible transcranial spread of infection. This study was performed to determine if TSA for pituitary tumors could be extended to patients with pituitary adenoma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Medical records, including rhinologic outcomes, were retrospectively assessed in 11 consecutive patients who underwent concurrent TSA and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) because of pituitary adenoma and CRS between May 2004 and October 2007. The 11 patients consisted of 5 men and 6 women, with a mean age of 55 years (range, 31-69 years) and average follow-up of 24.4 months (range, 6-44 months). Preoperatively, all patients had symptoms of CRS, but none had acute exacerbation of rhinosinusitis. All patients had CRS and two had nasal polyps. TSA was via the transcolumellar transseptal approach in seven patients and the transnasal approach in four patients. No postoperative complications due to ESS were observed. Two patients, including one with sphenoid aspergillosis, had preoperative unilateral sphenoid sinusitis, which was managed by ESS on the involved side, with TSA performed concurrently through the contralateral healthy sphenoid sinus. There was one case of postoperative sphenoid sinusitis and one case of septal perforation due to TSA. There were no postoperative intracranial complications, including meningitis and brain abscess. Concurrent TSA and ESS can be performed in selected patients with CRS and pituitary adenoma. Future studies should involve more patients and longer follow-ups.