Transsphenoidal Surgery For Pituitary Adenomas Research Articles

Sources of residuals after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for large and giant pituitary adenomas.

Giant and large pituitary adenomas (PA) constitute a specific subset of PAs, with gross total resection (GTR) rates frequently not exceeding 50%. Both an anatomical inaccessibility and an inadequate tumor visualization are thought to play a role. This study analyzes risk factors for postoperative residuals after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for large and giant pituitary adenomas. A retrospective analysis of patients with giant and large PA operated between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Forty patients (13 females, 27 males) were included in the analysis (30 large and 10 giant PAs). The mean MRI follow-up time was 5.9 ± 6.54months. Overall, GTR was achieved in 29 patients (72.5%), subtotal resection in 9 (22.5%), and the inconclusive result was in 2 (5%). Unexpected residuals represented 7 (77.7%) of all 9 residual tumors. The most frequent intraoperative factor associated with unexpected residual tumors was improper identification of residual tumor due to obstruction of view in 2 (28.5%) cases and inability to distinguish normal tissue from tumor in the other two (28.5%). Sub-analysis based on tumor size revealed that with large PAs, GTR was achieved in 25 (83.3%), STR in 4 (13.3%), and inconclusive in 1 (3.3%) patient. In patients with giant PAs, GTR was achieved in 4 (40%), STR in 5 (50%), and inconclusive in 1 (10%). Analysis of preoperative factors showed a significant association of residual tumors with larger suprasellar AP distance (p = 0.041), retrosellar extension (p = 0.007), and higher Zurich Score (p = 0.029). Large and giant PAs are challenging lesions with high subtotal resection rates. Suprasellar AP distance, retrosellar extension, and higher Zurich Score seem to be significant predictors of degree of resection in these tumors. Improving the intraoperative ability to distinguish tumor from a normal tissue might further decrease the number of unexpected residuals.

The slope of the learning curve in 600 consecutive endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgeries.

Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary adenoma has become a mainstay of treatment over the last two decades and it is generally accepted that once this learning curve is achieved, a plateau is reached with little incremental improvement. The objective of this study was to assess the slope of the learning curve over a long period of time for a variety of outcomes measures. We examined outcomes and complications in a consecutive series of 600 EETS for pituitary adenoma grouped into quartiles based on date of surgery. GTR significantly increased across quartiles from 55 to 79% in the last quartile (p < 0.005). The rate of intraoperative CSF leak significantly decreased from 60% in the first quartile to 33% in the last quartile and the rate of lumbar drain placement from 28% in the first quartile to 6% in the last quartile (p < 0.005). Hormonal remission for secreting adenomas increased from 68% in the first quartile to 90% in the last quartile (p < 0.05). The rate of post-operative CSF leak trended lower (3% in first quartile to 0.7% in last two quartiles). The greatest improvement in outcome occurred between the first and second quartiles (19.9%), but persistent improvement occurred between the second and third (6.7%) and third and fourth quartiles (8.0%). Although the slope of the learning curve is steeper earlier in a surgeon's experience, the slope does not plateau and continues to increase even over more than a decade.

Diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIADH) after pituitary surgery: incidence and risk factors.

Electrolyte disorders are relatively frequent and potentially serious complications after pituitary surgery. Both DI (diabetes insipidus) and SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis) can complicate and prolong hospital and intensive care unit stay, and the latter may even be preventable. We aim to assess the incidence of both electrolyte disorders and their risk factors. From a prospective registry of patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma, patients with postoperative DI and SIADH were identified. Univariable and multivariable statistics were carried out to identify factors independently associated with the occurrence of either DI or SIADH. A total of 174 patients were included, of which 73 (42%) were female. Mean age was 54years (range 20-88). During postoperative hospital stay, 13 (7.5%) patients presenting with DI and 11 (6.3%) with SIADH were identified. Patients who developed DI after surgery had significantly longer hospital stays (p = 0.022), as did those who developed SIADH (p = 0.002). Four (2.3%) patients were discharged with a diagnosis of persistent DI, and 2 (1.1%) with the diagnosis of SIADH. At the last follow-up, 5 (2.9%) patients presented with persistent DI, while none of the patients suffered from SIADH. Younger age (odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.01, p = 0.166) and pituitary apoplexy (OR 2.69, 95% CI 0.53-10.65, p = 0.184) were weakly associated with the occurrence of DI. We identified younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99, p = 0.045) and lower preoperative serum sodium (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.95, p = 0.008) as independent risk factors for SIADH. Although we found a weak association among age, pituitary apoplexy, and the occurrence of DI, no independent predictor was identified for DI. For postoperative SIADH however, lower age and preoperative serum sodium were identified as significant predictors. None of these findings were sufficiently supported by preexisting literature. Both electrolyte disorders are exquisitely hard to predict preoperatively, and further research into their early detection and prevention is warranted.

Microscopic Trans-sphenoidal surgery in paediatric pituitary adenoma: An institutional experience

Introduction : Pituitary adenoma is common in adult population but rare in pediatric population. Microscopic transnasal trans-sphenoidal surgery (MTTS) is gold standard technique for this. In the last two decades, there is increasing trend for endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic surgery had many well-established benefits over microscopic surgery in case of adult patients. But many surgeons are not fond of using endoscope in pediatric patients because of limited space in children. There is difficulty in maneuvering the endoscope in small nostrils. Present study showed that MTTS is safe and easy procedure in pediatric pituitary adenoma patients. Materials and Methods : All pediatric patients operated by MTTS technique in single institute by a single neurosurgeon during 2010–2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were below 18 years of age. Data were collected from bed head ticket, operative notes, and discharge summary and histological records. Results : Total 22 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 14 years ranging from 11 to 17 years. Symptoms were as follows: headache in 46%, menstrual irregularity in 36%, visual disturbance in 32%, feature of acromegaly in 14%, and features of Cushing disease in 23%. Functioning adenoma was found in 20 patients (91%). Among functioning adenoma, prolactinoma comprises 55%, adrenocorticotropic hormone secretary tumors 22%, growth hormone secretary tumor 14%, and nonfunctioning adenoma 9%. Majority of tumors extending to suprasellar area were prolactinoma (75%). Gross total resection was achieved in 18 cases (82%). Four patients (18%) had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and all these patients were having macroadenoma or giant adenoma. Hormonal profile became normal in 16 patients (80%) out of 20 functioning tumors postoperatively. Seventy-eight percent female patients (seven patients) had improvement in their menstrual irregularity. Transient diabetes insipidus dev

Predicting prolonged length of stay after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for the resection of pituitary adenoma has become more common throughout the past decade. Although most patients have a short postoperative hospitalization, others require a more prolonged stay. We aimed to identify predictors for prolonged hospitalization in the setting of ETS for pituitary adenomas. A retrospective chart review as performed on 658 patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenoma at a single tertiary care academic center from 2005 to 2019. Length of stay (LoS) was defined as date of surgery to date of discharge. Patients with LoS in the top 10th percentile (prolonged LoS [PLS] >4 days, N = 72) were compared with the remainder (standard LoS [SLS], N = 586). The average age was 54 years and 52.5% were male. The mean LoS was 2.1 days vs 7.5 days (SLS vs PLS). On univariate analysis, atrial fibrillation (p = 0.002), hypertension (p = 0.033), partial tumor resection (p < 0.001), apoplexy (p = 0.020), intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (ioCSF) leak (p = 0.001), nasoseptal flap (p = 0.049), postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) (p = 0.010), and readmission within 30 days (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with PLS. Preoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (odds ratio, 15.144; 95% confidence interval, 2.596-88.346; p = 0.003) and presence of an ioCSF leak (OR, 10.362; 95% CI, 2.143-50.104; p = 0.004) remained significant on multivariable analysis. For patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenomas, an ioCSF leak or preoperative use of CPAP predicted PLS. Additional common reasons for PLS included postoperative CSF leak (10 of 72), management of DI or hypopituitarism (15 of 72), or reoperation due to surgical or medical complications (14 of 72).

Application of the Three Points and Three Lines Method to Accurately Open the Sellar Floor in Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery of Pituitary Adenomas

In this study, the sellar floor morphology of patients with pituitary adenoma is analyzed and a simple yet reliable method is identified to determine the location of bone window opening. Clinical information of 144 consecutively admitted patients was retrospectively analyzed. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the midsagittal plane was selected as the reference for classifying the sellar floor. Intraoperative tumor location, extent of tumor resection, and follow-up results were analyzed for different types of sellar floor. The tuberculum sellae, lowest point of the sphenoid sinus, and the lowest point of the sellar floor and 3 lines related to them were used to classify the sellar floor. This is referred to as the "three points and three lines" method. Based on its location in the sphenoid sinus, the sellar floor can be classified into 4 types: 12 patients (8.3%) with high sellar, 70 (48.6%) with medium sellar, 30 (20.8%) with low sellar, and 32 (22.8%) with steep sellar. The maximum tumor diameter, maximum sellar floor diameter, and the intercarotid distance were all significantly different among patients with different types of sellar floor (P < 0.001). For all patients, quick intraoperative location of the sellar floor opening was achieved. A total of 104 patients (72.2%) had total tumor resection, 28 (19.40%) had subtotal tumor resection, and 4 (2.8%) had partial tumor resection. Twenty patients (13.9%) experienced cerebrospinal fluid leak, and there was no significant difference in cerebrospinal fluid leak rate among groups. Presurgical classification and location of the sellar floor are critical for understanding and assessing the transsphenoidal approach. Different types of sellar floor appeared in the surgery with different morphologic features. The three points and three lines method helps the surgeon to predetermine the location of the sellar floor opening and to shorten surgical time.

Prevalence and risk factors of hemodynamic instability during endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a retrospective analysis

Objective: Intraoperative hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETSS) for pituitary adenoma may lead to significant complications. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hemodynamic instability and its associated risk factors in these patients. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent ETSS at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital between 14 January 2010 and 20 March 2014. Intraoperatively occurring episodes of bradycardia, hypotension, and hypertension were recorded. Distribution of hemodynamic instability was determined based on age groups, ASA class, tumor type, and anesthesia method. Results: A total of 323 patients met the study criteria. Mean age of the patients was 46.88 ± 13.91 years and 54.5% were female. Intraoperative bradycardia was detected in 137 patients (42.41%), hypotension in 57 patients (17.65%), and hypertension in five patients (1.55%). Hemodynamic instability occurred in all of the patients over the age of 51. Patients classified as ASA III were more likely to have hemodynamic instability than patients with ASA I and ASA II (p&amp;lt;0.05). All 18 patients who were transferred to intensive care unit were in the age group of 61 years and over. The rate of hemodynamic instability was higher in patients with non-functioning tumor compared to that in patients with functioning tumors. Conclusion: The rate of intraoperative hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing ETSS is higher in older patients than that in young patients. The elderly has multiple comorbidities and are more sensitive to anesthetic agents. This group needs a carefully planned anesthetic management during perioperative period.

Endoscopic Endonasal versus Microscopic Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery for Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas: Comparative Study

Abstract Background: Pituitary adenoma is a common brain tumor. It accounts for 10-25% of all intracranial tumors. Treatment of recurrent pituitary adenomas is often surgi-cally either endoscopic or microscopic with the advantages of endoscopic approach due to visualization of residual tumor and limited field of view of the microscope. Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and results of endoscopic and microscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery of recurrent pituitary adenoma. Patients and Methods: This is prospective study was carried out on 34 patients of recurrent pituitary adenomas at Neurosurgery Departments, Al-Azhar University Hospitals and Mohammed Dossary Hospital Al-Khobar, KSA. Adult patients who had tumor recurrence or residual tumor underwent revision surgery. While those underwent radiother-apy/radio surgery or receiving medical therapy for remission were excluded. Patients were classified into group A subjected to endo-scopic removal and group B subjected to microscopic resection of the recurrent pituitary adenoma. All patients in the study were subjected to clinical, imaging and laboratory studies for the diagnosis and extent of the tumor. Results: Our results revealed no difference between both groups regarding gender of age (p=0.412 and 0.631 respec-tively); presenting symptoms (p=0.413). Operative time was significantly longer in group B (p=0.01) and intraoperative blood loss was much in group B (p=0.02). Endoscopic removal of macro adenomas is significantly more than microscopic approach (p=0.032) also, complete excision of tumor in endoscopic approach is significantly more than microscopic approach (0.035). Also, the readmission rate and late complications were more in group B than groups A but without difference (p=0.241 and 0.351 respectively) also, there was no difference between groups regarding total hospital stay (p=0.601). Conclusion: Reoperation for recurrent or residual pituitary adenomas is a safe and effective treatment option. Endoscopic approach more effective than microscopic approach due to wide orientation, more resection, less operative and postop-erative complications with shorter hospital stay.

Early postoperative MRI and detection of residual adenoma after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Current practice guidelines recommend delayed (≥ 3 months after operation) postoperative MRI after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, although this practice defers obtaining important information, such as the presence of a residual adenoma, that might influence patient management during the perioperative period. In this study, the authors compared detection of residual adenomas by means of early postoperative (EPO) MRI (< 48 hours postsurgery) with both surgeon intraoperative assessment and late postoperative (LPO) MRI at 3 months. Adult patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas with MRI preoperatively, < 48 hours after the operation, 3 months postoperatively, and yearly for 4 years were included. The presence or absence of residual tumor was assessed intraoperatively by a single surgeon and postoperatively by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the intraoperative assessment and other postoperative imaging studies. The presence of residual tumor was confirmed by reresection, tumor growth on imaging, or hormonal evidence. Interreader reliability was calculated at each imaging time point. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for EPO and LPO imaging and intraoperative assessment were determined. In total, 102 consecutive patients who underwent microscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma were included. Eighteen patients (18%) had confirmed residual tumors (12 confirmed by tumor growth, 5 by surgery, and 1 by biochemical evidence of persistent disease). Interreader reliability for detecting residual tumor on EPO MRI was almost perfect (κ = 0.88) and significantly higher than that for LPO MRI (κ = 0.69, p = 0.03). EPO MRI was highly specific for residual tumor (98%), a finding similar to that for intraoperative assessment (99%, p = 0.60) and significantly higher than that for LPO MRI (81%, p < 0.001). Notably, EPO MRI was significantly more sensitive for residual tumor (100%) than both intraoperative assessment (78%, p = 0.04) and LPO MRI (78%, p = 0.04). EPO MRI had a 100% negative predictive value and was used to find 4 residual tumors that were not identified intraoperatively. Residual tumors found on EPO MRI allowed for reresection during the same hospitalization for 3 patients. EPO MRI after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery can be reliably interpreted and has greater sensitivity for detecting residual tumor than intraoperative assessment and LPO MRI. This result challenges current guidelines stating that delayed postoperative imaging is preferable to early imaging. Pituitary surgeons should consider performing EPO MRI either in addition to or instead of delayed imaging.

Comparison of intraoperative cortisol levels after preoperative hydrocortisone administration versus placebo in patients without adrenal insufficiency undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: a double-blind randomized trial.

In this double-blind randomized trial, the necessity of preoperative steroid administration in patients without adrenal insufficiency (AI) undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for pituitary adenoma was evaluated. Forty patients with and without AI, defined as a peak cortisol level > 18 µg/dl on the insulin tolerance test or rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test, undergoing ETSS for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas were randomly allocated to treatment with either 100 mg of preoperative hydrocortisone (group HC, n = 20) or normal saline (group C, n = 20). The patients with pituitary apoplexy, the use of a drug within the last 3 months that could affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or a previous history of brain or adrenal surgery were excluded. Intraoperative cortisol and ACTH levels were measured after anesthesia induction, dura incision, and tumor removal, and at the end of surgery. Intraoperative hypotension, early postoperative AI, and postoperative 3-month pituitary function were investigated. Intraoperative serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in the HC group than in the C group after anesthesia induction (median 69.0 µg/dl [IQR 62.2-89.6 µg/dl] vs 12.7 µg/dl [IQR 8.4-18.2 µg/dl], median difference 57.5 µg/dl [95% CI 33.0-172.9 µg/dl]), after dura incision (median 53.2 µg/dl [IQR 44.9-63.8 µg/dl] vs 6.4 [IQR 4.8-9.2 µg/dl], median difference 46.6 µg/dl [95% CI 13.3-89.2 µg/dl]), after tumor removal (median 49.5 µg/dl [IQR 43.6-62.4 µg/dl] vs 9.2 µg/dl [IQR 5.75-16.7 µg/dl], median difference 39.4 µg/dl [95% CI 0.3-78.1 µg/dl]), and at the end of surgery (median 46.9 µg/dl [IQR 40.1-63.4 µg/dl] vs 16.9 µg/dl [IQR 12.1-23.2 µg/dl], median difference 32.2 µg/dl [95% CI -42.0 to 228.1 µg/dl]). Serum ACTH levels were significantly lower in group HC than in group C after anesthesia induction (median 3.9 pmol/L [IQR 1.7-5.2 pmol/L] vs 6.9 pmol/L [IQR 3.9-11.9 pmol/L], p = 0.007). No patient showed intraoperative hypotension due to AI. Early postoperative AI was observed in 3 and 5 patients in groups HC and C, respectively. The postoperative 3-month pituitary hormone outcomes including ACTH deficiency were not different between groups. Preoperative steroid administration may be unnecessary in patients without AI undergoing ETSS for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. However, a further large-scale study is needed to determine whether preoperative steroid administration has a significant impact on clinically meaningful events such as perioperative AI and postoperative 3-month ACTH deficiency in these patients.Korean Clinical Trial Registry no.: KCT0002426 (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/).

A Simple Onlay Sellar Reconstruction Does Not Increase the Risk of Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Well-Selected Patients.

Objective A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many of which are complex, expensive, and carry potential morbidity but are felt to be necessary to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We propose an effective, technically simple repair for select sellar defects utilizing an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Design Retrospective review of patients from a single neurosurgeon who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. Patients were selected for this repair technique based on the absence of: (1) intraoperative identification of a CSF leak, (2) patulous diaphragm (expanded diaphragm sella herniating to or through sellar floor defect), and (3) other prohibiting comorbidities. Setting The present study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Participants In this study, pituitary adenoma patients were the participants. Outcome Measures Main outcome measure of the study is postoperative CSF leak. Results A total of 172 patients were identified. Of these, 153 were initial resections of pituitary adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 142 (82.6%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.2 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.4 ± 19.8 cm 3 . No patients had intraoperative CSF leaks. All cases were repaired with only an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose. There were two postoperative CSF leaks (1.16%). Pre and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 12.9 ± 11.9 and 14.3 ± 14.9 ( p = 0.796), respectively. Conclusion The use of an onlay of regenerated oxidized cellulose alone is an effective repair technique for select sellar defects. This technique does not result in increased postoperative CSF leak rates and avoids the higher relative cost and potential morbidity associated with more complex, multilayered closures.

ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISON OF HORMONAL IMMUNOEXPRESSION AND THE CLINICAL PICTURE IN PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY ADENOMAS.

Symptoms related to hypersecretion of hormones in patients with pituitary adenomas do not always correlate with immunohistochemical staining results. To evaluate the relationship between the pituitary adenomas hormone immunoexpressions and endocrine presentations. The clinical status and immunoexpression of 72 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas were analyzed. Macroadenomas were diagnosed in 51 cases (70.84%), while microadenomas were found in 21 cases (29.16%). The 72 adenoma specimens were divided into 22 monohormonal, 21 plurihormonal, 21 immunonegative and 8 unreliable specimens. The positive immunohistochemical staining results occurred as follows: prolactin and growth hormone 25% each, adrenocorticotropic hormone 13.89%, thyroid-stimulating hormone 5.56%, leuteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone 12.5%, glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit 22.22%. Statistically significant relationships between the immunohistochemical presentation and the preoperative diagnosis were found for prolactin and hyperprolactinemia, growth hormone and acromegaly and adrenocorticotropic hormone and Cushing's syndrome. The lack of full concordance between the clinical presentations and immunohistochemical staining was mainly a result of the presence of nonfunctioning adenomas, plurihormonal adenomas and unreliable specimens. The morphometric method introduced in this study, utilizing the immunoexpression index, provided a very precise evaluation of pituitary adenomas pathology.

Comparative Study between Microscopic and Endoscopic Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery for Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas with Super-Sellar Extension

Background: Advances in the era of modern micro-neurosurgery enabled a reduction of surgical invasiveness and brain retraction which has been defined as minimally invasive or keyhole surgery. Sinonasal endoscopy has brought radical changes in the concepts of pathophysiology and treatment of sinonasal aliments as well as surgical techniques. Aim of the Study: To compare between the use of endoscopic and microscopic trans-sphenoidal approach in resection of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas with Suprasellar Extension. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study. It had been conducted upon 20 patients having growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma admitted to Neurosurgery department in Alzar University hospitals and Nasr City Insurance hospital from 2015 to 2018, divided into 2 groups; group A (10 cases) underwent endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection, while group B (10 cases) operated upon using the standard microscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection. The inclusion criteria were included: All patients with growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas showing manifestations of acromegaly, mass effect or hormonal disturbance. Results: This study showed that improvement in outcome was higher in endoscopic group opposed to microscopic group (100% vs. 71% improved headache, 80% vs. 60% visual improvement, 75% vs. 20% fundus improvement and 60% vs. 30% field improvement). Conclusion: We concluded that fully endoscopic procedure result in improved rates of complete tumor removal and a reduced incidence of complications, when compared to the microscopic approach.

10 Years' Experience of Using Low-Field Intraoperative MRI in Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma: Results of the Swiss Pituitary Registry (SwissPit)

For 20 years, several studies have reported intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) utility to achieve gross total resections in transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery. Although few studies on low-field iMRI included >100 patients, data on hormonally active tumors remain scarce and follow-up times are <3 years. This is not sufficient to judge the long-term efficiency of the use of low-field iMRI. The aim of this retrospective study is to report the detailed outcome of iMRI-controlled transsphenoidal surgery in >200 patients during a follow-up exceeding 5 years. Patients undergoing surgery for pituitary adenoma by iMRI-controlled, endoscopically assisted transsphenoidal surgery at the authors' institution between 2006 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected in the Swiss Pituitary Registry. A Polestar 0.15T-scanner was used. A total of 231 patients had surgery for 160 nonfunctioning adenomas; 28 hGH-, 27 PRL-, 10 ACTH-secreting and 6 mixed adenomas and were followed for 62 months (9-178). Additional iMRI-guided resections were possible in 54% and increased the gross total resection rate by 4% (P= 0.004). Remission rates were as follows: nonfunctioning adenoma, 53%; acromegaly, 61%; prolactinoma, 50%; Cushing disease, 90%. Tumor regrowth and recurrence was detected at a mean time of 24 and 63 months, respectively. Recovery of deficient hormone axes was detected in 22% to 27%. The risk for new postoperative hormonal deficiencies was 15%. Postoperative relieve of visual field and visual acuity deficiencies was seen in 94 (86%) and 73 (81%) patients, respectively. Judged by long-term follow-ups of >200 nonfunctioning/functioning pituitary adenomas, the use of low-field iMRI in transsphenoidal surgery increases resection rates and sustainably influences outcomes.

Surgical management of pituitary adenomas: does age matter?

Along with increased life expectancy and improvements in the diagnostic tools and techniques, the number of elderly patients with symptomatic pituitary tumors being evaluated for surgery is increasing. To date, contrasting results of the safety and effectiveness of transsphenoidal surgery in patients over 65years old were published in the medical literature. An investigation concerning the extension of resection, post operative complications and, recovery rate from endocrinological and visual symptoms in elderly patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma was conducted. A retrospective review, which included a series of 81 patients 65years old or older who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenomas was analyzed. Pre operative and post operative data were collected and patients were then compared among four age groups: 65-69years old, 70-74years old, 75-79years old and 80years and over. The results were then compared with the findings from the medical literature review. The statistical analysis failed to highlight any difference in terms of clinical presentation or complications among the four age groups, however there seems to be a slightly higher risk of post operative hypopituitarism in patients over 74years old. The results of the study seem to confirm that transsphenoidal surgery for PA is safe and effective among patients that are 65 and over. Moreover, a partial resection is preferred over a gross total one in order to reduce the surgical risk.

The Factors Related to the Tumor Resection Rate in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma

The Factors Related to the Tumor Resection Rate in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma

Outcomes of the Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Resection of Pituitary Adenomas Utilizing Extracapsular Dissection Technique with a Cotton Swab.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of a cotton swab for extracapsular dissection in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for pituitary adenoma (PA).Materials and Methods:A retrospective review of patients undergoing ETSS for PA from 2014 to 2017 was undertaken. Only patients with extracapsular dissection by cotton swab with the intent to completely remove the tumor were included. Assessment of the prospectively recorded clinical, laboratory, and radiographic presentation as well as the intra- and postoperative data was carried out. Factors influencing the extent of resection were analyzed.Results:Of the 222 patients, one hundred cases met the inclusion criteria. The cohort consisted of 81 nonfunctioning and 19 functioning PAs. Fifty patients presented with visual disturbance and 34 patients had prior surgical treatment. The majority of PAs was macroadenoma (97%) with 73% modified Hardy Stage C and 38% Knosp Grade 4. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was the most frequently noted complication (78%). Meningitis occurred in three cases and repeat ETSS for CSF leakage repair was necessary in three patients. No death or vascular injury was observed. At 12 months after ETSS, magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed 43% complete tumor resection. Previous surgery and Knosp Grade 4 were the strong factors for incomplete PA removal by multivariate logistic regression analysis. For functioning PAs, thirteen patients (68.42%) achieved biochemical remission.Conclusion:Cotton swab for extracapsular dissection proved its clinical effectiveness and safety. In spite of the technique, negative predictors for complete PA resection were parasellar extension and previous surgery.

Pituitary gland recovery following fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma: results of a prospective multicenter study.

Recovery from preexisting hypopituitarism after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma is an important outcome to investigate. Furthermore, pituitary function has not been thoroughly evaluated after fully endoscopic surgery, and benchmark outcomes have not been clearly established. Here, the authors characterize pituitary gland outcomes with a focus on gland recovery following endoscopic transsphenoidal removal of clinically nonfunctioning adenomas. This multicenter prospective study was conducted at 6 US pituitary centers among adult patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas who had undergone endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. Pituitary gland function was evaluated 6 months after surgery. The 177 enrolled patients underwent fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery; 169 (95.5%) of them were available for follow-up. Ninety-five (56.2%) of the 169 patients had had a preoperative deficiency in at least one hormone axis, and 20/95 (21.1%) experienced recovery in at least one axis at the 6-month follow-up. Patients with adrenal insufficiency were more likely to recover (10/34 [29.4%]) than were those with hypothyroidism (8/72 [11.1%]) or male hypogonadism (5/50 [10.0%]). At the 6-month follow-up, 14/145 (9.7%) patients had developed at least one new deficiency. The study did not identify any predictors of gland recovery (p ≥ 0.20). Permanent diabetes insipidus was observed in 4/166 (2.4%) patients. Predictors of new gland dysfunction included a larger tumor size (p = 0.009) and Knosp grade 3 and 4 (p = 0.051). Fully endoscopic pituitary surgery resulted in improvement of pituitary gland function in a substantial minority of patients. The deficiency from which patients were most likely to recover was adrenal insufficiency. Overall rates of postoperative permanent diabetes insipidus were low. This study provides multicenter benchmark neuroendocrine clinical outcome data for the endoscopic technique.

SURG-08. SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF PITUITARY ADENOMAS TREATED WITH TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY: A SINGLE INSTITUTION’S EXPERIENCE

Abstract We retrospectively analyzed surgical outcomes of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. A total of 366 consecutive patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma from December 1990 through May 2017 were included in this study. The most common tumor type was nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) (63.7%), followed by prolactin-secreting adenoma (20.5%), growth hormone-secreting adenoma (13.4%), adrenocorticotropin-secreting adenoma (2.2%), and thyrotropin-secreting adenoma (0.2%). This cohort study consisted of 164 male and 202 female patients. The median patients age was 48 years. The median follow-up duration was 63 months. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 83.7% of patients with a NFPA, 76% of prolactin-secreting adenomas, 71.4% of growth hormone-secreting adenomas, 75% of adrenocorticotropin-secreting adenomas, 100% of thyrotropin-secreting adenomas. There were 326 macroadenomas (69.1%). Surgical outcome was better in patients with microadenomas than in patients with macroadenomas (100% and 77.9%, respectively). Improvement of visual disturbances occurred in 148 (93.7%) of the 158 cases. Hormonal impairment by pituitary adenoma was improved in 105 (87.5%) of the 120 cases. There were 24 (8.2%) cases of recurrence after GTR; 17 patients underwent second surgery, 5 patients received radiotherapy, and the others continued conservative treatment. The median time interval between TSA and recurrence was 56 months. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in seven (1.9%) of 366 patients. Transsphenoidal surgery is an effective and safe treatment modality for most patients with pituitary adenoma.

Readmission after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: analysis of 584 consecutive cases.

Hospital readmission is a key component in value-based healthcare models but there are limited data about the 30-day readmission rate after endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary adenoma. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and identify factors associated with 30-day readmission after EETS for pituitary adenoma. The authors analyzed a prospectively acquired database of patients who underwent EETS for pituitary adenoma from 2005 to 2018 at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine. Clinical, socioeconomic, and radiographic data were reviewed for cases of unplanned readmission within 30 days of surgery and, as a control group, for all other patients in the series who were not readmitted. Statistical significance was determined with an alpha < 0.05 using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and the independent-samples t-test for continuous variables. Of 584 patients undergoing EETS for pituitary adenoma, 27 (4.6%) had unplanned readmission within 30 days. Most readmissions occurred within the first week after surgery, with a mean time to readmission of 6.6 ± 3.9 days. The majority of readmissions (59%) were for hyponatremia. These patients had a mean sodium level of 120.6 ± 4.6 mEq/L at presentation. Other causes of readmission were epistaxis (11%), spinal headache (11%), sellar hematoma (7.4%), CSF leak (3.7%), nonspecific headache (3.7%), and pulmonary embolism (3.7%). The postoperative length of stay was significantly shorter for patients who were readmitted than for the controls (2.7 ± 1.0 days vs 3.9 ± 3.2 days; p < 0.05). Patients readmitted for hyponatremia had an initial length of stay of 2.6 ± 0.9 days, the shortest of any cause for readmission. The mean BMI was significantly lower for readmitted patients than for the controls (26.4 ± 3.9 kg/m2 vs 29.3 ± 6.1 kg/m2; p < 0.05). Readmission after EETS for pituitary adenoma is a relatively rare phenomenon, with delayed hyponatremia being the primary cause. The study results demonstrate that shorter postoperative length of stay and lower BMI were associated with 30-day readmission.