The surgical management of pituitary adenomas in a series of 3,093 patients

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

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the most common intrasellar tumor. Clinically relevant adenomas have a prevalence of 1 per 1000 in the general population. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the most common surgical treatment and is the first-line management for most PAs. Most patients fare well postoperatively, but a subset of patients experience a prolonged length of stay (PLOS). In this article, we aim to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with PLOS after TSS for PA.

METHODS

Patients with sellar pathologies surgically treated at a single tertiary center from March 1, 2009, to May 31, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients older than 18 years receiving nonemergent endoscopic TSS for pituitary adenoma were included. Clinical and demographic characteristics were analyzed using χ 2 -tests and student t -tests. For those factors with a P -value less than .01, multivariate logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were constructed to estimate the adjusted odds of PLOS across predictive factors.

RESULTS

A total of 301 patients were included in the study. This cohort had an average age of 54.65 ± 15.06 years and an average body mass index of 29.47 ± 6.69. The median length of stay was 54.9 hours [25th-75th percentiles: 43.5-72.9]. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak ( P < .01), postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) ( P < .01), increased surgery duration ( P = .01), and elevated maximal tumor dimension ( P = .01) were predictive of PLOS in logistic regression. Increased surgery duration, previous pituitary radiation, intraoperative complications, and postoperative DI (all P < .01) were associated with increased rate of PLOS in negative binomial regression.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing endoscopic TSS for PA resection demonstrate prolonged lengths of stay if they have higher tumor burden, have lengthier surgeries with intraoperative complications, or develop postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak or DI. Careful monitoring of these factors will allow for better resource optimization, reducing costs to both the hospital and the patient.

Evaluation of Retrospective Patient Preference on Extent of Resection of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

BACKGROUND

Neurosurgeons treat nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas by surgical resection. Based on the adherence of the tumor to the normal pituitary gland, operative risks may include hormone replacement therapy for postoperative hypopituitarism with gross total resection that injures the gland or recurrent tumor with subtotal resection and purposeful avoidance of gland manipulation. None of the patients presented in this article had a preoperative preference regarding extent of resection. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative patient preferences regarding extent of resection.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent resection of adenomas between 2015 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed and surveyed. After surgery, participating patients were asked for their preference regarding 100% tumor resection with lifelong daily hormone replacement therapy versus 90% tumor resection with a chance of recurrence in the hypothetical situation where the neurosurgeon encounters tumor adherent to the normal gland.

RESULTS

Of the 73 patients included, 54 (74.0%) responded to the survey, with the majority (36 [66.7%]) preferring 90% resection with the chance of tumor recurrence. Tumor recurrence (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 2.1-2.5, P = 0.03) and steroid avoidance (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 2.0-2.4, P = 0.04) were the 2 variables that were significant predictors of patient preference in multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients may not have the preoperative insight or experience to have a strong conviction regarding the extent of adenoma resection, the consequences following surgery clearly influence their preference. Most patients in our study, including patients with gross total resection and especially patients who experienced side effects of steroid therapy, preferred subtotal resection with the chance of tumor recurrence over hormone replacement therapy.

Predictors of Prolonged Length of Stay After Pituitary Adenoma Resection: A Large Cohort Analysis Using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019)

OBJECTIVE

In this nationwide retrospective study, the authors aimed to identify demographic, clinical, and baseline health risk factors predictive of a prolonged length of stay (PLOS) for patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs).

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample dataset from 2016 to 2019 was utilized to identify all included hospitalizations for PA resection as identified by the appropriate diagnosis-related group code. Comorbidities were classified based on the Charlson Comorbidity Index mapping of ICD-10 codes, and PLOS was identified as any stay longer than 3 days. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models, accounting for the sample design, were built to determine factors associated with PLOS and emergent surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 30 945 patients were included in this study with 10 535 patients having PLOS. Female patients experienced an increased odds of PLOS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29; P < .001). Black patients (OR: 1.49; P < .001) and Hispanic patients (OR: 1.30; P = .003) had 1.49 times and 1.30 times the odds of PLOS compared to White patients, respectively. Compared to patients insured by Medicare, patients insured by Medicaid had an increased odds of PLOS (OR: 1.36; P = .007) as well as emergent surgery (OR: 5.40; P < .001). When stratified by emergent surgeries, Black patients (OR: 1.89; P < .001), Hispanic patients, (OR: 2.14; P < .001), and patients on Medicaid insurance (OR: 1.71; P < .001) were at an increased risk of emergent procedures. However, female sex (OR: 0.65; P < .001), upper third quartile (OR: 0.73; P = .017), and fourth quartile (OR: 0.69; P = .014) of patients categorized by zip code income were at decreased odds of an emergent procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Black and Hispanic patients, patients with Medicaid insurance, and patients of low socioeconomic status patients are at significantly higher risk of emergent PA resection and PLOS. Efforts to prevent emergent surgeries and shorten hospitalization after pituitary surgery may need to primarily focus on patient groups with select sociodemographic characteristics.

Neuroendoscopy: history, endoscopes, and instrumentation

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopy was first employed in the surgical treatment of neurosurgical diseases early in the twentieth century, but did not become an established practice for a long time, mainly because of poor technology and clinical results. After a slow re-appearance in the 1980s, the 1990s saw an explosion of techniques and instrumentation. Continuing technological improvement has led to further expansion of surgical techniques and indications for use of neuroendoscopy.

DISCUSSION

The expansion of ventricular endoscopy has led to significant understanding of CSF disorders. Aqueduct stenosis as cause of hydrocephalus and arachnoid cysts are an example of pathologies, the concept and understanding of which now is considerably enhanced, due to the application of neuroendoscopy in their treatment. Management of loculated hydrocephalus has been facilitated considerably with the use of the endoscope. The concepts of aqueductoplasty, septostomy, and foraminoplasty of the foramina of Monro and Magendie emerged, which were previously unknown. Skull base surgery, especially surgery for craniopharyngioma, has seen dramatic improvement in results with the use of the endoscope. Coupling of the endoscope with neuronavigation has expanded technical capabilities even further. Overall, we can do a lot more with the endoscope now in comparison to 30 years ago.

CONCLUSION

We should always remember that the endoscope is only a tool. Its use has indications and limitations related to its design and our ability to extract the maximum, in the context of its shortcomings. Further technological advances will push surgical frontiers even more in years to come.

Outcomes and surgical nuances in management of giant pituitary adenomas: a review of 108 cases in the endoscopic era

OBJECTIVE

Giant (maximum diameter ≥ 4 cm) pituitary macroadenomas are complex tumors that require resection for decompression of optic nerves, relief of mass effect, and symptom improvement. Given the lack of surgical accessibility, the lateral extent of the lesions, and the invasion of the cavernous sinus, management presents a significant challenge. Transsphenoidal, transcranial, and combined approaches have been viable options for resection. The authors present their findings from a large series of patients to characterize giant pituitary adenomas, document outcomes, and outline surgical nuances in resection of these tumors.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 887 consecutive patients who underwent resection of pituitary adenomas at a single institution. From this group, 108 patients with giant pituitary adenomas who underwent resection between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2020, were identified for inclusion in the study. The patient demographics, clinical presentation, tumor imaging characteristics, surgical approaches, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative tumor diameter in this cohort was 4.6 ± 0.8 cm, with a mean volume of 25.9 ± 19.2 cm3. Ninety-seven patients underwent transsphenoidal approaches only, 3 underwent transcranial resection, and 8 patients underwent a combined approach. Gross-total resection was achieved in 42 patients. Tumor stability without a need for additional therapy was achieved in 77 patients, with 26 patients undergoing subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy. Among 100 patients with sufficient follow-up, 14 underwent adjuvant therapy-repeat operation and/or adjuvant radiation therapy-because of recurrence or tumor progression. Six patients with recurrence were observed without additional treatment. Overall, the morbidity associated with removal of these lesions was 11.1%; the most common morbidities were cerebrospinal fluid leak (5 patients, 4.6%) and hydrocephalus (4 patients, 3.7%). One death due to postoperative pituitary apoplexy of the residual tumor and malignant cerebral edema occurred in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Giant pituitary tumors still represent a surgical challenge, with significant morbidity. Gross-total resection occurs in a minority of patients. Surgical goals for removal of giant pituitary tumors should include attempts at removal of most tumor tissue to minimize the risk of residual tumor apoplexy by tailoring the approach along the major axis of the tumor. Experience with both transsphenoidal and multiple transcranial techniques is necessary for minimizing complications and improving outcomes.

Predictors of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of patient and surgical factors, including approach and reconstruction type, on postoperative nausea and vomiting episodes following endoscopic skull base surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review from July 2018 to August 2020 of 99 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery at a tertiary academic skull base surgery program. All patients were treated with a standardized postoperative protocol consisting of scheduled ondansetron, along with promethazine and scopolamine for breakthrough nausea and vomiting episodes. Cumulative nausea and vomiting episodes throughout hospital stay were recorded for each patient.

RESULTS

Of the 99 patients identified, the mean number of nausea and vomiting episodes per patient were 0.4 ± 1.2 and 0.3 ± 0.7, respectively. Female sex (β = .65, P = .034) and extended surgical approach (β = .90, P = .027) were associated with increased risk for postoperative nausea. Furthermore, female sex (β = .44, P = .018), cavernous sinus dissection (β = .52, P = .002), and extended approach (β = .79, P = .025) significantly increased odds of postoperative vomiting episodes. There was no association between total operative time or total postoperative opioid dose and nausea and vomiting episodes (all Ps > .05). Neither increased nausea nor vomiting episodes significantly increased odds of prolonged hospitalization (P = .105 and .164, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This report highlights novel risk factors for patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery. Upfront standing antiemetic therapy may be considered when treating patients with independent predictors of postoperative nausea and vomiting, including female sex, cavernous sinus dissection, and extended surgical approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 132:761-768, 2022.

Metachronous Double Pituitary Adenoma with Altered Transcriptional Factor Profile: A Case Report and Literature Review

Double pituitary adenomas (DPAs), especially metachronous DPAs, are extremely rare and there has been no report about DPAs with altered transcriptional factors. We describe the case of a 25-year-old man who presented with acromegaly 7 years after surgery for a non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA). Before the initial surgery, endocrine evaluation confirmed NFPA or silent somatotroph pituitary adenoma (SPA) because of normal serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insufficient suppression of growth hormone (GH) levels in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Immunohistochemistry of resected tissue obtained from gross total resection (GTR) with transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was negative for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, GH, and Pit-1 but positive for GATA3, which confirmed the gonadotroph pituitary adenoma (GPA) diagnosis. Seven years later, follow-up brain MRI revealed a 13.3 × 5.6 × 4.7 mm tumor within the sellar turcica. The endocrine evaluation confirmed acromegaly because of high serum levels of IGF-1 and insufficient suppression of GH levels upon OGTT. GTR with TSS was again performed, and immunohistochemistry was negative for GATA3 but positive for GH and Pit-1. Surprisingly, he showed altered transcription factor expressions between initial and recurrent surgery. Based on the overall clinical course and hormonal secretion findings, we speculated metachronous development of a DPA, i.e., SPA followed by GPA, wherein a few remaining cells of the SPA might have regrown after the initial surgery. We conducted a literature review of cases that documented altered hormone secretion at recurrence and emphasized the necessity of identifying a small adenoma when there is a discrepancy between pathological findings and hormone secretion tests.

Consistency of pituitary adenomas: Amounts of collagen types I and III and the predictive value of T2WI MRI

Pituitary adenomas, the most common type of lesion in the sellar region, rank third among all brain tumors, with an incidence of 73-94 cases per 100,000 individuals. Due to its high resolution, MRI is highly efficient in brain imaging and has emerged as the most appropriate method for tumor consistency evaluation. The present study aimed to assess the levels of collagen types I and III in pituitary adenomas with different consistencies and to determine the value of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) MRI for predicting tumor consistency. A total of 55 patients with pituitary adenomas were divided into the soft and firm tumor groups according to intraoperative tumor consistency. The ratio of the tumor to Pons' signal intensities on T2WI scans was determined. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess the specificity and sensitivity of T2WI in predicting tumor consistency. Average optical density (AOD) values for collagen types I (0.046±0.008 vs. 0.052±0.012, P=0.033) and III (0.044±0.008 vs. 0.050±0.010, P=0.016) were significantly lower in the soft tumor group compared with those in the firm tumor group. There was no significant difference in the ratio of the tumor to Pons' signal intensities on T2WI scans. The area under the ROC curve was 0.595±0.078 (P=0.250). The maximum tumor diameter significantly differed between the soft and firm tumor groups (P=0.001). AOD values for collagen types I and III were significantly correlated with the maximum tumor diameter (P<0.001). The amounts of collagen types I and III were elevated in firm pituitary tumors compared with the soft ones. The ratio of tumor to Pons' signal intensities on T2WI scans was not able to accurately predict tumor consistency. The size of pituitary adenomas may be associated with the expression levels of collagen types I and III.

Cellular Therapy via Spermatogonial Stem Cells for Treating Impaired Spermatogenesis, Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

Male infertility is a major health problem affecting about 8–12% of couples worldwide. Spermatogenesis starts in the early fetus and completes after puberty, passing through different stages. Male infertility can result from primary or congenital, acquired, or idiopathic causes. The absence of sperm in semen, or azoospermia, results from non-obstructive causes (pretesticular and testicular), and post-testicular obstructive causes. Several medications such as antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy could lead to impaired spermatogenesis and lead to a non-obstructive azoospermia. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis for spermatogenesis and fertility in men. SSCs are characterized by their capacity to maintain the self-renewal process and differentiation into spermatozoa throughout the male reproductive life and transmit genetic information to the next generation. SSCs originate from gonocytes in the postnatal testis, which originate from long-lived primordial germ cells during embryonic development. The treatment of infertility in males has a poor prognosis. However, SSCs are viewed as a promising alternative for the regeneration of the impaired or damaged spermatogenesis. SSC transplantation is a promising technique for male infertility treatment and restoration of spermatogenesis in the case of degenerative diseases such as cancer, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The process involves isolation of SSCs and cryopreservation from a testicular biopsy before starting cancer treatment, followed by intra-testicular stem cell transplantation. In general, treatment for male infertility, even with SSC transplantation, still has several obstacles. The efficiency of cryopreservation, exclusion of malignant cells contamination in cancer patients, and socio-cultural attitudes remain major challenges to the wider application of SSCs as alternatives. Furthermore, there are limitations in experience and knowledge regarding cryopreservation of SSCs. However, the level of infrastructure or availability of regulatory approval to process and preserve testicular tissue makes them tangible and accurate therapy options for male infertility caused by non-obstructive azoospermia, though in their infancy, at least to date.

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

BACKGROUND

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.

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

We examined outcomes and complications in a consecutive series of 600 EETS for pituitary adenoma grouped into quartiles based on date of surgery.

RESULTS

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%).

CONCLUSION

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.

Abdominal Fat Graft for Sellar Reconstruction: Retrospective Outcomes Review and Technical Note

BACKGROUND

The transsphenoidal approach is the standard of care for the treatment of pituitary adenomas and is increasingly employed for many anterior skull base tumors. Persistent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can result in significant complications.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze our series of patients undergoing abdominal fat graft repair of the sellar floor defect following transsphenoidal surgery, describe and investigate our current, routine technique, and review contemporary and past methods of skull base repair.

METHODS

A recent consecutive series (2008-2017) of 865 patients who underwent 948 endonasal procedures for lesions of the sella and anterior skull base was retrospectively reviewed. Three hundred eighty patients underwent reconstruction of the sellar defect with an abdominal fat graft.

RESULTS

The diagnoses of the 380 patients receiving fat grafts were the following: 275 pituitary adenomas (72.4%), 50 Rathke cleft cysts (13.2%), 12 craniopharyngiomas (3.2%), and a variety of other sellar lesions. Fourteen patients had persistent postoperative CSF leak requiring reoperation and included: 5 pituitary adenomas (1.3%), 4 craniopharyngiomas (1.1%), 2 arachnoid cysts (0.53%), 2 prior CSF leaks (0.53%), and 1 Rathke cleft cyst (0.26%). Four patients (1.1%) developed minor abdominal donor site complications requiring reoperation: 1 hematoma, 2 wound complications, and 1 keloid formation resulting in secondary periumbilical infection.

CONCLUSION

Minimizing postoperative CSF leaks following endonasal anterior skull base surgery is important to decrease morbidity and to avoid a prolonged hospital stay. We present an evolved technique of abdominal fat grafting that is effective and safe and includes minimal morbidity and expense.

Incidence and risk factors associated with reoperation for sellar hematoma following endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative sellar hematoma is an uncommon complication of endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary adenoma that often requires emergency surgical evacuation. Sellar hematomas can cause mass effect and compress parasellar structures, leading to clinically significant symptoms such as visual impairment and severe headache. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with reoperation for postoperative hematoma after EETS for pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

The authors reviewed a prospectively acquired database of EETS for pituitary adenoma over 13 years at Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and identified cases that required reoperation for confirmed hematoma. They also reviewed clinical and radiographic data of a consecutive series of patients undergoing EETS for pituitary adenoma who did not have postoperative hematoma, which served as the control group. Demographic data and risk factors were compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate analyses via binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among a cohort of 583 patients undergoing EETS for pituitary adenoma, 9 patients (1.5%) required operation for sellar hematoma evacuation. All 9 patients with reoperation for sellar hematoma presented with worsening in their vision, and severe headache was present in 67%. New postoperative endocrine dysfunction developed in 78%. Clot evacuation improved vision in 88%. The mean time to hematoma evacuation was 4.5 days. The median length of stay for patients with sellar hematoma was 8 days (range 4-210 days) compared with a median length of stay of 3 days (range 1-32 days) for the control patients (p < 0.005). Significant risk factors in univariate analysis were tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm (p < 0.005), suprasellar extension (p < 0.005), tumor volume (p < 0.005), cavernous sinus invasion (p < 0.05), gonadotroph histology (p < 0.05), antiplatelet use (p < 0.05), and elevated BMI (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm (OR 4.555, CI 1.30-28.90; p < 0.05) and suprasellar extension (OR 1.048, CI 1.01-1.10; p < 0.05) were found to be the only independent predictors of sellar hematoma. The incidence of hematoma in tumors ≥ 30 mm was 5% (7/139).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative sellar hematoma requiring reoperation is a rare phenomenon after transsphenoidal surgery, often presenting with visual loss and headache. Clot evacuation results in improvement in vision, but long-term endocrinopathy often ensues. Tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm and suprasellar extent are the most reliable risk factors. Close postoperative scrutiny should be given to patients at high risk.

Telomere length alterations and ATRX/DAXX loss in pituitary adenomas

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes located at the termini of eukaryotic chromosomes that prevent exonucleolytic degradation and end-to-end chromosomal fusions. Cancers often have critically shortened, dysfunctional telomeres contributing to genomic instability. Telomere shortening has been reported in a wide range of precancerous lesions and invasive carcinomas. However, the role of telomere alterations, including the presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), has not been studied in pituitary adenomas. Telomere length and the presence of ALT were assessed directly at the single cell level using a telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in tissue microarrays. Tumors were characterized as either ALT-positive or having short, normal, or long telomere lengths and then these categories were compared with clinicopathological characteristics. ATRX and DAXX expression was studied through immunohistochemistry. We characterized a discovery set of 106 pituitary adenomas including both functional and nonfunctional subsets (88 primary, 18 recurrent). Telomere lengths were estimated and we observed 64 (59.4%) cases with short, 39 (36.8%) cases with normal, and 0 (0%) cases with long telomeres. We did not observe significant differences in the clinicopathological characteristics of the group with abnormally shortened telomeres compared to the group with normal telomeres. However, three pituitary adenomas were identified as ALT-positive of which two were recurrent tumors. Two of these three ALT-positive cases had alterations in either of the chromatin remodeling proteins, ATRX and DAXX, which are routinely altered in other ALT-positive tumor subtypes. In a second cohort of 32 recurrent pituitary adenomas from 22 patients, we found that the tumors from 36% of patients (n = 8) were ALT-positive. This study demonstrates that short telomere lengths are prevalent in pituitary adenomas and that ALT-positive pituitary adenomas are enriched in recurrent disease.

Transsphenoidal resection for pituitary adenoma in elderly versus younger patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary adenomas (PA) are common intracranial tumors. In the context of the aging of the population, the question is whether postsurgical outcomes are comparable to the younger ones. The primary objective of the present study was to review published resection and recurrence rates after transsphenoidal resection. The secondary aim was to evaluate visual improvement and complication rates.

METHODS

The authors searched PubMed and Medline databases, of published English series, with no time frame limit, evaluating outcomes of transsphenoidal resection in populations aged more or less than 65, 70, and 80 years. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Median overall resection rates for younger population was 70.7% (range 54-76.8) and for elderly one was 65.7% (range 16.6-78.2) (two-sample t test, p = 0.35). The only statistically significant difference for gross total resection rates (GTR) favored patients aged less than 80 (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference among recurrence rates. There was a statistically significant difference for visual improvement favoring patients aged more than 80 (p = 0.03). For the age groups of less versus more than 70, there was a statistically significant difference for overall complication rate favoring younger groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Present data shows GTR rates favoring younger patients. Recurrence rates remain similar over the mean follow-up period. Moreover, visual improvement favors patients aged more than 80. Overall complication rates favor patients younger than 70, which might be also related to additional comorbidities, frequently present in seniors. Transsphenoidal surgery is safe and effective even for older patients.

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery of Microprolactinomas: A Reappraisal of Cure Rate Based on Radiological Criteria

BACKGROUND

Current standard treatment of microprolactinomas is dopamine agonist therapy. As this drug treatment is lifelong in up to 80% of cases, many patients consult pituitary surgeons regarding a surgical alternative.

OBJECTIVE

To identify prognostic criteria for surgical remission, we reviewed outcomes of our series of microprolactinomas treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, with a special emphasis on magnetic resonance adenoma delineation and position.

METHODS

Our study cohort comprises a single center series of 60 patients operated for histopathologically verified magnetic resonance imaging unequivocally identifiable endosellar microprolactinoma between 2003 and 2017. In 31 patients the adenoma was enclosed by pituitary gland (group ENC), in 29 patients the adenoma was located lateral to the gland adherent to the medial cavernous sinus wall (group LAT).

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 37 mo (range 4-143 mo), remission rate was significantly higher in adenomas enclosed by pituitary gland (group ENC) than adenomas located lateral to the gland (group LAT), with 87% vs 45%, P = .01. Intraoperatively, 4 patients showed signs of invasiveness. Preoperative prolactin levels did not differ between the groups (mean 155 and 187 ng/ml in group ENC and LAT, respectively).A binary logistic regression model revealed that only the radiological criteria applied showed a significant correlation (P = .003) with endocrine remission.

CONCLUSION

According to our results, remission rate is significantly higher in microprolactinomas enclosed by the pituitary gland. However, the decision for surgery should take into account surgeons experience and possibility of complications.

Clinical, Hormonal, and Neuroradiological Characteristics and Therapeutic Outcomes of Prolactinomas in Children and Adolescents at a Single Center

Background/Purpose: A prolactinoma is the most common pituitary adenoma, but it is relatively rare in childhood and adolescence. There is only limited research about the clinical spectrum, treatment, and outcomes of prolactinomas in childhood and adolescence. In this single-center cohort study, we assessed the clinical, hormonal, and neuroradiological characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of children and adolescents with prolactinomas. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 25 patients with prolactinomas diagnosed before 19 years of age, who presented at Samsung Medical Center during a 15-year period (March 2005 to August 2019). Results: The median age at diagnosis was 16.9 (range 10.1-18.5) years, and 80% of the patients were female. The common clinical manifestations at diagnosis were galactorrhea (10/20, 50%) and amenorrhea (9/20, 45%) among females and visual field defects (3/5, 60%) and headaches (2/5, 40%) among males. In our cohort, macroadenomas accounted for 56% of cases, and the rate of overall responsiveness to dopamine agonists (DAs) was 56% (10/18). Male gender, the prolactin (PRL) level at diagnosis, and the presence of panhypopituitarism were positively correlated with maximum tumor diameter (r = 0.443, P = 0.026; r = 0.710, P < 0.001; and r = 0.623, P = 0.001, respectively). After the trans-sphenoidal approach (TSA), 53% (8/15) of patients showed normalization of the PRL level. Three patients, who underwent gamma knife surgery (GKS) owing to either resistance or intolerance to DAs or recurrence after the TSA, achieved a normal PRL level accompanied with marked tumor reduction and symptom remission. Conclusions: A macroprolactinoma is more prevalent than a microprolactinoma in children and adolescents than in adults. Male gender, increased PRL levels, and the presence of panhypopituitarism at diagnosis are closely related to macroprolactinomas in children and adolescents.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pituitary Gland Preservation in Pituitary Macroadenoma Apoplexy: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Introduction  For patients presenting with neurological changes from pituitary tumor apoplexy, urgent surgical intervention is commonly performed for diagnosis, tumor resection, and optic apparatus decompression. Although identification and preservation of the pituitary gland during the time of surgery can be challenging, it may lead to improve endocrine outcomes. Methods  A retrospective case series of all patients with macroadenomas presenting with apoplexy at Loyola University Medical Center from 2016 to 2018 was studied. Demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative characteristics were collected including age, gender, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, preoperative size of pituitary adenoma, Knosp's grade, Hardy's grade, identification and/or preservation of the gland, pre- and postoperative hormonal levels, intraoperative and/or postoperative complications, and follow-up time. Results  A total of 68 patients underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for resection of a macroadenoma. Among them, seven (10.2%) presented with apoplexy; five patients were male and two were female and presenting symptoms and signs included headache (100%), endocrinopathies (57%), visual acuity deficit (71%), visual field deficit (71%), and oculomotor palsy (57%). A gross-total resection rate was achieved in 86% of patients. Among them, 71% of patients obtained complete symptomatic neurological improvement. A statistically significant difference between gender and endocrine function was found, as no females and all males required some form of postoperative hormonal supplementation ( p  = 0.047) . Conclusion  Endoscopic endonasal resection of macroadenomas with sparing of the pituitary gland in the setting of apoplexy is safe and effective. Preservation of the normal gland led to no posterior pituitary dysfunction, and a statistically significant difference between gender and postoperative endocrinopathy was identified. Further studies with larger samples sizes are warranted.

Visual Outcomes After Pituitary Surgery

Visual signs and symptoms are a common manifestation of pituitary adenomas from compression or ischemia of the optic nerves and optic chiasm. Although bitemporal hemianopsia is a classic presenting visual field deficit, additional visual disturbances can result from these tumors. After endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery, most patients have improvement in visual symptoms. Preoperative factors including retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, severity of preoperative deficit, duration of visual symptoms, tumor size, extent of resection, and patient age serve as possible predictors of postoperative visual outcomes.

Management of Giant Pituitary Adenomas: Role and Outcome of the Endoscopic Endonasal Surgical Approach

Giant adenomas represent a significant surgical challenge. Although traditionally several transcranial and transsphenoidal microscopic approaches have had a central role in their management, in the last 2 decades here have been increasing reports of the endoscopic endonasal approach for giant adenomas, citing its improved resection rates and lower complication profile. However, its role as the preferred approach has not been fully established and there is currently a paucity of evidence-based recommendations available in the literature. This article reviews the current literature and attempts to define the role and outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal surgical approach for giant pituitary adenomas.

Surgery for Pediatric Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are a rare but important central nervous system tumor in children. Because of differences in growth and development, the manifestations of pituitary adenomas in children may differ from those seen in adults. Unlike adult patients, the pediatric population more often presents with clinically secretory adenomas. Although medical management is first-line treatment of prolactinomas, transsphenoidal surgery is appropriate for most children with Cushing disease and gigantism. Although some pediatric patients present surgical challenges because of small anatomic dimensions or an incompletely developed sphenoid sinus, transsphenoidal surgery can be safely and effectively undertaken in most children, with low complication rates.

Molecular Biology of Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, but still cause significant morbidity and in some cases increases in mortality. Surgical resection is not without risks, and approximately 40% of adenomas are incompletely resected. Medical therapies such as dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues, and growth hormone antagonists are associated with numerous side effects. Understanding the molecular biology of pituitary adenomas may yield new therapeutic approaches. Additional studies are needed to help determine which genes or pathways are "drivers" of tumorigenesis and should be therapeutic targets. Further studies may also enable pituitary adenoma stratification to tailor treatment approaches.

Prediction of cavernous sinus invasion in patients with Cushing's disease by magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

Cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) in Cushing's disease (CD) negatively affects the probability of complete resection, biochemical cure, and need for adjuvant therapy. However, the prediction of CSI based on MRI findings has been inconsistent and variable. Among macroadenomas, the Knosp classification is the most widely utilized radiographic predictor of CSI, but its accuracy in predicting CSI and the probability of gross-total resection is limited in the setting of microadenomas or Knosp grade 0-2 macroadenomas. The authors noticed that the presence of a triangular shape of adenomas adjacent to the cavernous sinus on coronal MR images is frequently associated with CSI. The authors aimed to determine the correlation of this radiographic finding ("sail sign" [SS]) with CSI.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of all patients with a pituitary lesion < 20 mm and a biochemical diagnosis of CD treated with endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal resection from November 2007 to May 2017. Overall 185 patients with CD were identified: 27 were excluded for negative preoperative imaging, 32 for lacking tumors adjacent to the sinus, 7 for Knosp grade 3 or higher, and 4 for inadequate intraoperative assessment of the CSI. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 115 cases were available for statistical analysis. Intraoperative CSI was prospectively evaluated at the time of surgery by one of two neurosurgical attending surgeons, and MRI data were evaluated retrospectively by a neurosurgical resident and attending neuroradiologist blinded to the intraoperative results.

RESULTS

A positive SS was identified in 23 patients (20%). Among patients with positive SS, 91% demonstrated CSI compared to 10% without an SS (p < 0.001). Using the SS as a predictor of CSI provided a sensitivity of 0.7 and a specificity of 0.98, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.91 and a negative predictive value of 0.9. Among patients with positive SS, 30% did not achieve immediate postoperative remission, compared to 3.3% of patients without an SS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a positive SS among Cushing's adenomas adjacent to the CS provides strong PPV, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio for the prediction of CSI. This can be a useful tool for preoperative planning and for predicting the likelihood of long-term biochemical remission and the need for adjuvant radiosurgery.

Lower-dose perioperative steroid protocol during endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection

Background:

Perioperative steroid management for pituitary adenoma resections is multifaceted due to possible hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis disruption. Although many different strategies have been proposed, there is no standard protocol for prophylaxis of potential hypocortisolemia.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resections. Before March 2016, patients received ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively followed by 2 mg of dexamethasone immediately postoperatively in most of the patients. Subsequently, patients received only 50 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively. A morning cortisol level was checked on postoperative day (POD) 2, and if it was <10 mcg/dL, patients remained on maintenance hydrocortisone. At 6 weeks, serum cortisol was redrawn and low-dose therapy was weaned when indicated.

Results:

Of those who received ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone, 8 of 24 (33.3%) were discharged on hydrocortisone compared to 1 of 14 (7.1%) who received 50 mg. 18 of 24 (75%) of ≥100 mg group received dexamethasone on POD 1, and of those, 8 (44.4%) were discharged on hydrocortisone. Of those who received ≥100 mg and were on outpatient steroid therapy initially, 3 of 8 (37.5%) required continuation after 6 weeks compared to none who received 50 mg. There was an association between patient’s intraoperative/immediate postoperative steroid use and steroid continuation at discharge.

Conclusion:

Through our experience, we hypothesize that ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively followed by postoperative dexamethasone may be overly suppressive in patients with otherwise normally functioning HPA. A 50 mg intraoperative dose alone may be considered to lower rates of unnecessary steroid regimens postoperatively.

Use of intraoperative intracavitary (direct-contact) ultrasound for resection control in transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors: evaluation of a microsurgical series

BACKGROUND

Perisellar infiltration may be responsible for incomplete removal of pituitary tumors. Since intraoperative visualization of parasellar structures is difficult during transsphenoidal surgery, we are describing the use of intraoperative direct contact ultrasound (IOUS).

METHODS

Within 5 years, in 113 transsphenoidal operations (58 male, 55 female, age 14-81 years, 110 pituitary adenomas (mean diameter 26.6 mm, 69 non-secreting adenomas, 41 secreting adenomas), and 1 of each Rathke's cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, and xanthogranuloma), IOUS was applied. After wide opening of the sellar floor and removal of the intrasellar tumor portions, a commercially available side fire ultrasound probe is introduced, and in direct contact to the sellar envelope, the perisellar space is scanned perpendicular to the axis of the working channel. We compared the results of IOUS to postoperative MRI after 3-6 months.

RESULTS

Identification of the intracavernous ICA, the anterior optic pathway, and the ACA, was possible, it was safe to operate close to them. In 65 operations (58%), further resection of tumor remnants was performed after IOUS. In this selected series, complete resection of tumors (stated by postoperative MRI after 3-6 months) was achieved in 75 operations (66%) and remission was achieved in 18 operations of secreting adenomas (44%). Compared to MRI after 3 to 6 months, the sensitivity of IOUS was 0.568 and the specificity was 0.907. No complications related to IOUS were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Visualization of the perisellar compartments by IOUS is easy and fast to perform. It allows the surgeon to identify resectable tumor remnants intraoperatively, which otherwise could be missed.

The Treatment of Refractory Pituitary Adenomas

Refractory pituitary adenomas (PAs) are defined as aggressive-invasive PAs characterized by a high Ki-67 index, rapid growth, frequent recurrence, and resistance to conventional treatments. It is notoriously difficult to manage refractory PAs because the efficacy of current therapeutic options is limited. The purpose of this review is to address currently employed and promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of refractory PAs. Except for prolactinomas, neurosurgery is the first-line option, but most refractory PAs often recur or re-grow after initial surgery and require further treatments. Medical therapy, radiotherapy and re-operation are explored when surgery has failed to completely resect tumors; however, refractory PAs are usually resistant to these treatments. As a salvage treatment, temozolomide (TMZ) has shown promising results and is currently used for all types of refractory PAs. However, not all refractory PAs are responsive to TMZ treatment, and some of these PAs are resistant to TMZ. Although targeted therapies such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and mTOR inhibitors have also been used to treat refractory PAs, the effectiveness of these targeted therapies is still not known due to a lack of data from randomized prospective trials. As a novel therapeutic method, cancer immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of refractory PAs, but further preclinical research and clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of this new approach. In summary, early identification and a multidisciplinary approach are required to treat refractory PAs.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach Combined with a Simultaneous Transcranial Approach for Giant Pituitary Tumors

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic endonasal approach is widely used for treating giant pituitary adenomas. However, a small subset of tumors is still challenging to treat, and the risk of complications increases when an endoscopic endonasal approach alone is used. The simultaneous combined endoscopic endonasal and transcranial approach is a surgical option for such difficult adenomas; however, very few studies have described the technical nuances and benefits of this approach.

METHODS

We treated 3 patients with giant pituitary adenoma and 1 patient with pituicytoma. Radiologic findings and clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients had preoperative visual disturbances. A pterional approach was combined with an endoscopic endonasal approach to treat all the patients. Near-total and subtotal tumor removal was accomplished in 3 patients; however, only partial tumor removal was possible in 1 patient. Postoperative visual function improved in 3 patients, but there were no changes in 1 patient. There were no major complications; however, each patient developed either adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency or ACTH deficiency and persistent diabetes. Importantly, no cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simultaneous combined endoscopic and transcranial approach offers safe tumor resection and a low rate of complications. In this procedure, it is important that tumor debulking be performed by the main surgeon via a single surgical route and not by 2 surgeons using the simultaneous endonasal and transcranial approach, to avoid interference in the surgical field. This approach may be considered as a surgical option for carefully selected tumors in the sellar region.

Implementation of a Postoperative Outpatient Care Pathway for Delayed Hyponatremia Following Transsphenoidal Surgery

BACKGROUND

After transsphenoidal surgery, delayed hyponatremia (DH) is the leading cause of 30-d unplanned hospital readmissions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of a DH care pathway on 30-d readmissions after transsphenoidal surgery.

METHODS

Data from before and after DH care pathway implementation were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were compared. Readmission causes, clinical pathway failures, sodium trends, and symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTS

Before the DH care pathway implementation, 229 (55%) patients were treated (group 1); afterward, 188 (45%) were treated (group 2). Baseline characteristics were equivalent between groups, except for glucocorticoid supplementation, which was higher in group 2. The incidence of detected DH was significantly lower in group 1 (16/229, 7%) than group 2 (29/188, 15%) (P = .006) likely due to the impact of routine screening in group 2. Ten group 1 patients (4%) were readmitted for hyponatremia and 6 (3%) were managed as outpatients. Eleven group 2 patients (6%) were readmitted and 17 (9%) were managed as outpatients. Readmission rates between groups were similar (P = .49). Patients readmitted with severe hyponatremia experienced symptoms ≥24 h before presentation. The protocol failed to prevent readmission because outpatient management for mild or moderate DH (n = 4) failed, sodium levels precipitously declined after normal screening (n = 3), and severe hyponatremia developed after scheduled screenings were missed (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

Although more DH patients were identified after care pathway implementation, readmission rates were not reduced and clinical outcomes were not changed. Because DH onset timing varies, some patients have highly acute presentation, and most readmitted patients develop symptoms before reaching their sodium nadir, close symptom monitoring may be a reasonable alternative to routine screening.

Preoperative Stratification of Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Patients Based on Surgical Urgency

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no prioritization scale available to distinguish those patients with pituitary tumors who require urgent surgical intervention from those who are candidates for elective treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a classification system that can help primary care physicians, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, ancillary support staff, and hospital administrators identify high-priority surgical candidates.

METHODS

An expert international panel of clinicians consisting of endocrinologists and neurosurgeons who are involved in the diagnosis and management of sellar disease was convened. The panel retrospectively reviewed individual experiences, including a cohort of patients operated upon for pituitary related disease at the Brigham and Women's Hospital from January 2008 to November 2015. A risk stratification schema was developed to streamline patient care pathways.

RESULTS

We identified 4 groups of surgical candidates with varying levels of risk, and then assigned treatment timelines and different differential diagnoses to each. The 4 groups were as follows: group A: urgent-immediate; group B: prompt-initiate treatment within 1 to 2 weeks; group C: soon-initiate treatment within 3 months; group D: elective-as soon as indicated. Among 472 patients treated at Brigham and Women's Hospital for pituitary adenomas, each was assigned to 1 of the 4 predetermined subgroups: group A, 6.8%; group B, 30.1%; group C, 31.1%; group D, 32.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a risk stratification schema that may serve as a platform to streamline care to the patients at highest risk. The expert opinions presented provide a basis for future studies regarding the risk prioritization of patients.

Pediatric Pituitary Adenoma: Case Series, Review of the Literature, and a Skull Base Treatment Paradigm

Background  Pediatric pituitary adenoma is a rare skull base neoplasm, accounting for 3% of all intracranial neoplasms in children and 5% of pituitary adenomas. Compared with pituitary tumors in adults, secreting tumors predominate and longer disease trajectories are expected due to the patient age resulting in a natural history and treatment paradigm that is complex and controversial. Objectives  The aims of this study were to describe a large, single-institution series of pediatric pituitary adenomas with extensive long-term follow-up and to conduct a systematic review examining outcomes after pituitary adenoma surgery in the pediatric population. Methods  The study cohort was compiled by searching institutional pathology and operative reports using diagnosis and site codes for pituitary and sellar pathology, from 1956 to 2016. Systematic review of the English language literature since 1970 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar. Results  Thirty-nine surgically managed pediatric pituitary adenomas were identified, including 15 prolactinomas, 14 corticotrophs, 7 somatotrophs, and 4 non-secreting adenomas. All patients underwent transsphenoidal resection (TSR) as the initial surgical treatment. Surgical cure was achieved in 18 (46%); 21 experienced recurrent/persistent disease, with secondary treatments including repeat surgery in 10, radiation in 14, adjuvant pharmacotherapy in 11, and bilateral adrenalectomy in 3. At the last follow-up (median 87 months, range 3-581), nine remained with recurrent/persistent disease (23%). Thirty-seven publications reporting surgical series of pediatric pituitary adenomas were included, containing 1,284 patients. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors were most prevalent (43%), followed by prolactin (PRL)-secreting (37%), growth hormone (GH)-secreting (12%), and nonsecreting (7%). Surgical cure was reported in 65%. Complications included pituitary insufficiency (23%), permanent visual dysfunction (6%), chronic diabetes insipidus (DI) (3%), and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (4%). Mean follow-up was 63 months (range 0-240), with recurrent/persistent disease reported in 18% at the time of last follow-up. Conclusion  Pediatric pituitary adenomas are diverse and challenging tumors with complexities far beyond those encountered in the management of routine adult pituitary disease, including nuanced decision-making, a technically demanding operative environment, high propensity for recurrence, and the potentially serious consequences of hypopituitarism with respect to fertility and growth potential in a pediatric population. Optimal treatment requires a high degree of individualization, and patients are most likely to benefit from consolidated, multidisciplinary care in highly experienced centers.

The extended, transnasal, transsphenoidal approach for anterior skull base meningioma: considerations in patient selection

PURPOSE

In this study, we set out to define our institutional criteria for patient eligibility for transsphenoidal resection of parasellar meningiomas, and to report our experience with extended transnasal approaches for these lesions. We aimed to discuss the important considerations of patient selection and risk stratification to optimize outcomes for patients with these difficult lesions, and also include considerations that should be reviewed during surgical approach selection.

METHODS

Medical records from Brigham and Women's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary disease with the senior author from April 2008 to March 2017 (938 procedures). Patients undergoing surgery for anterior skull base meningioma were identified and patient data were collected.

RESULTS

Seven patients (four women, three men) underwent transsphenoidal resection (five endoscopic, one microscopic, and one hybrid endoscopic/microscopic) of pathologically-confirmed anterior skull base meningiomas during the study period. Five patients presented with visual field deficits, three presented with headache, two presented with hypopituitarism, and one woman presented with infertility. The median maximum tumor diameter was 1.7 cm (range 1.4-4.2 cm). Six patients underwent subtotal resection, and one underwent gross total resection. The median MIB-1 index was 2.3 (range 1.0-7.6). Complications included two readmissions (one on POD11 for small bowel obstruction, one on POD48 for epistaxis), and the development of new onset thyroid deficiency and transient diabetes insipidus in one patient. Two patients had reoperations by craniotomy for tumor recurrence after 5 and 6 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more commonly treated transcranially, anterior skull base meningiomas are sometimes amenable to resection transphenoidally. Patient selection is critical, and multiple factors, including tumor size, consistency, and location, patient and surgeon preference, and presenting symptoms each affect the optimum surgical approach. We have developed criteria for patient selection so that transsphenoidal surgery can be used to resect or debulk anterior skull base meningiomas safely and with favorable outcomes.

Criteria for the definition of Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence (PTCOE): A Pituitary Society Statement

INTRODUCTION

With the goal of generate uniform criteria among centers dealing with pituitary tumors and to enhance patient care, the Pituitary Society decided to generate criteria for developing Pituitary Tumors Centers of Excellence (PTCOE).

METHODS

To develop that task, a group of ten experts served as a Task Force and through two years of iterative work an initial draft was elaborated. This draft was discussed, modified and finally approved by the Board of Directors of the Pituitary Society. Such document was presented and debated at a specific session of the Congress of the Pituitary Society, Orlando 2017, and suggestions were incorporated. Finally the document was distributed to a large group of global experts that introduced further modifications with final endorsement.

RESULTS

After five years of iterative work a document with the ideal criteria for a PTCOE is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging that very few centers in the world, if any, likely fulfill the requirements here presented, the document may be a tool to guide improvements of care delivery to patients with pituitary disorders. All these criteria must be accommodated to the regulations and organization of Health of a given country.

Do race and age vary in non-malignant central nervous system tumor incidences in the United States?

Epidemiological analyses of many cancers have demonstrated differences in incidence and outcome for patients from different racial backgrounds. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of non-malignant CNS tumors by race and age to identify incidence variance. Data from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) from 2009 to 2013 were used to calculate age-adjusted incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 population and 95% confidence intervals for selected tumors overall, by race, age group, and race stratified by age group. In those aged 0-14 years, Whites had significantly greater IR of neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors (IR = 0.37) compared to Others (IR = 0.26) and Blacks (IR = 0.24). In those 15-39 years, Blacks had significantly greater IR of tumors of the pituitary (IR = 3.80) than Others (IR = 3.29) and Whites (IR = 3.15), and significantly greater IR of grade I meningioma (IR = 1.93) than Whites (IR = 1.59) and Others (IR = 1.21). In those 40 years and older, Blacks had significantly greater IR of grade I meningioma (IR = 19.16) compared to Whites (IR = 15.77) and Others (IR = 15.32), and significantly greater IR of tumors of the pituitary (IR = 10.47) than Others (IR = 5.85) and Whites (IR = 4.99). Others had significantly greater IR of nerve sheath tumors (IR = 4.00) compared to Whites (IR = 3.46) and Blacks (IR = 1.64). The incidence of non-malignant CNS tumors differs significantly by race and age in the USA. These differences may contribute to previously-described health outcome disparities.

Readmission and Other Adverse Events after Transsphenoidal Surgery: Prevalence, Timing, and Predictive Factors

BACKGROUND

Transsphenoidal surgery is a common neurosurgical procedure for accessing the pituitary and anterior skull base, yet few multicenter analyses have evaluated outcomes after this procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery from 2006 to 2015 were extracted from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day complications.

RESULTS

Of 1,240 patients included in this analysis, 6.9% experienced a major complication, and 9.4% experienced any complication within 30 days. Other adverse events included death in 0.7% and nonroutine hospital discharge in 5.3%. Most adverse events occurred within the first 2 weeks postoperatively; 82.9% of patients experienced their first complication during the initial hospital stay. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that predictors of hospital stay longer than 4 days included American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III to V (p = 0.015), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and operative time in the third and fourth quartiles (both p < 0.001). American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III to V and operative time in the fourth quartile were also predictors of any adverse event (p = 0.01 and p = 0.005, respectively). Among these patients, 3.7% underwent reoperation, the most common reason for which was postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (63.6%). Readmission occurred after 8.5% of cases at a median of 11.0 days post-discharge. The most common cause of readmission was hyponatremia (29.5%), followed by delayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (16.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall rates of adverse events in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery are relatively low, and most occur before discharge from the hospital. Post-discharge complications associated with transsphenoidal surgery include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and urinary tract infection. Delayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak is the major cause of reoperation, and hyponatremia is the major cause of readmission.

Landscape of Genomic Alterations in Pituitary Adenomas

Purpose: Pituitary adenomas are the second most common primary brain tumor, yet their genetic profiles are incompletely understood.Experimental Design: We performed whole-exome sequencing of 42 pituitary macroadenomas and matched normal DNA. These adenomas included hormonally active and inactive tumors, ones with typical or atypical histology, and ones that were primary or recurrent.Results: We identified mutations, insertions/deletions, and copy-number alterations. Nearly one-third of samples (29%) had chromosome arm-level copy-number alterations across large fractions of the genome. Despite such widespread genomic disruption, these tumors had few focal events, which is unusual among highly disrupted cancers. The other 71% of tumors formed a distinct molecular class, with somatic copy number alterations involving less than 6% of the genome. Among the highly disrupted group, 75% were functional adenomas or atypical null-cell adenomas, whereas 87% of the less-disrupted group were nonfunctional adenomas. We confirmed this association between functional subtype and disruption in a validation dataset of 87 pituitary adenomas. Analysis of previously published expression data from an additional 50 adenomas showed that arm-level alterations significantly impacted transcript levels, and that the disrupted samples were characterized by expression changes associated with poor outcome in other cancers. Arm-level losses of chromosomes 1, 2, 11, and 18 were significantly recurrent. No significantly recurrent mutations were identified, suggesting no genes are altered by exonic mutations across large fractions of pituitary macroadenomas.Conclusions: These data indicate that sporadic pituitary adenomas have distinct copy-number profiles that associate with hormonal and histologic subtypes and influence gene expression. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1841-51. ©2016 AACR.

Time Course of Resolution of Hyperprolactinemia After Transsphenoidal Surgery Among Patients Presenting with Pituitary Stalk Compression

BACKGROUND

Primary lactotroph disinhibition, or stalk effect, occurs when mechanical compression of the pituitary stalk disrupts the tonic inhibition by dopamine released by the hypothalamus. The resolution of pituitary stalk effect-related hyperprolactinemia postoperatively has not been studied in a large cohort of patients. We performed a retrospective review to investigate the time course of recovery of lactotroph disinhibition after transsphenoidal surgery.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery with the senior author from April 2008 to November 2014.

RESULTS

Of 556 pituitary adenomas, 289 (52.0%) were eliminated: 77 (13.9%) had an immunohistochemically confirmed prolactinoma, 119 (21.4%) patients had previous surgery, 93 (16.7%) had incomplete medical records, leaving 267 patients (48.0%) for final analysis. Of these patients, 72 (27.0%) had increased serum prolactin levels (≥23.3 ng/mL), suggestive of pituitary stalk effect (maximum prolactin level = 148.0 ng/mL). Patients with stalk effect were more likely than those with normal serum prolactin levels to present with menstrual dysfunction (29.7% vs. 19.4%; P < 0.01) and galactorrhea (11.1% vs. 2.1%; P < 0.01). Patients with lactotroph disinhibition were more likely to harbor macroadenomas than were patients who did not show lactotroph disinhibition (81.9% vs. 70.2%; P = 0.06). Among patients with increased preoperative prolactin, 77.8% experienced normalization of serum prolactin postoperatively, galactorrhea improved in 100%, sexual dysfunction resolved in 66.6%, and menstrual dysfunction among premenopausal females normalized in 73.3% at last follow-up (mean, 5.35 years; range, 0.1-10 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Transsphenoidal surgery can provide durable normalization of serum prolactin levels and related symptoms caused by pituitary stalk compression-related lactotroph disinhibition.

Delayed Hyponatremia Is the Most Common Cause of 30-Day Unplanned Readmission After Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

BACKGROUND

Unplanned readmission after surgical procedures is an important quality metric. Yet, readmission rates and causes have not been evaluated for patients after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze unplanned 30-day readmissions at a pituitary center and to encourage the development of effective clinical pathways to prevent readmission.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary lesions at Barrow Neurological Institute (January 2011-March 2014) was performed to identify causes of unplanned readmission within 30 days of surgery. Patient demographics, tumor details, surgical complications, and endocrine function were documented.

RESULTS

Of 303 patients who had transsphenoidal surgery, 27 (8.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. Most of the 27 (15 [55.6%]) had delayed hyponatremia. Other causes were diabetes insipidus (4 [14.8%]), adrenal insufficiency (2 [7.4%]), and cerebrospinal fluid leak, epistaxis, cardiac arrhythmia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and hypoglycemia (1 each [3.7%]). Outpatient sodium screening was performed as needed. In cases of hyponatremia, the mean postoperative day of readmission was day 8 (range, 6-12 days) and the mean serum sodium was 119 mmol/L (range, 111-129 mmol/L). Numerous patient and surgical factors were examined, and no specific predictors of readmission were identified. We developed an outpatient care pathway for managing hyponatremia with the goal of improving readmission rates.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes a quality benchmark for readmission rates after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary lesions and identifies delayed hyponatremia as the primary cause. Implementation of an outpatient care pathway for managing hyponatremia may improve readmission rates.

Health-related quality of life in patients treated for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas during the years 2000-2010

OBJECTIVE

The published data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after treatment of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are conflicting. We evaluated HRQoL in a recent series of patients who had surgery for an NFPA.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study including a large control population.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

A HRQoL questionnaire (15D) was sent to all patients (n = 161) having undergone transsphenoidal surgery for NFPA in the years 2000-2010 at the Helsinki University Hospital. The 15D score and dimension scores of the study population (n = 137) were compared with those of a large (n = 4967) gender- and age-standardized control population. Possible independent predictors of HRQoL in the patients were estimated with multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 57% of the patients had normal visual function. After a mean follow-up of 7·4 ± 3·2 years (mean ± SD), 62% suffered from hypopituitarism. Overall, HRQoL was near-normal in patients compared to controls (15D scores 0·885 ± 0·114 vs 0·903 ± 0·093, respectively, P = 0·07). On single dimensions, patients had impaired vision and sexual activity (both P < 0·0005), more depression and distress (both P < 0·005) and less discomfort and symptoms (P < 0·05). Age, body mass index, diabetes, depression and reoperation were independent predictors of impaired HRQoL (all P < 0·05). Thyroxine substitution was associated with impaired and hydrocortisone and testosterone substitution (males only) with better HRQoL (all P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

This recent series of NFPA patients demonstrates that overall HRQoL is near-normal after medium term follow-up; the most impaired dimensions were in vision and sexual activity. Comorbidities are strong predictors of impaired HRQoL.

Sellar repair with autologous muscle and composite septal cartilage grafts for treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leakage following trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery

Context:

Many reconstructive techniques have been proposed to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery. However, no total agreement has been reached to the best technique.

Aim:

Assessment of the efficacy of sellar repair with autologous muscle and composite septal cartilage grafts for treatment of intraoperative and delayed postoperative CSF leakage following trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery without the use of postoperative external lumbar CSF drain.

Study Design:

This is a retrospective case series study, level IV evidence.

Materials and Methods

: Twenty three patients were involved in this study. Seventeen patients had intraoperative CSF leakage and were treated immediately by our technique. Six patients had postoperative CSF rhinorrhea and had delayed treatment with our technique after failure of conservative measures and external lumbar CSF drainage for more than three days. The technique involved intradural placement of autologous muscle graft supplemented with extradural composite septal cartilage graft, composed of a piece of the posterior cartilaginous septum with its covering mucoperichondrium on one side only to fit into the sellar defect as a double layer button.

Results:

CSF leak was of grade 1 in 6 patients (26.1%), grade 2 in 10 patients (43.5%) and grade 3 in 7 patients (30.4%). None of the patients in our study had postoperative CSF leak after the use of our technique during the follow up period (mean 24 ± 10.47 standard deviation months). None of the patients developed treatment-related complications. All the patients had well developed mucosal covering of the sellar defect after two months.

Conclusion:

Our technique of sellar repair by using autologous muscle and composite septal cartilage grafts is effective in treatment of intraoperative and delayed postoperative CSF leakage following trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery without the use of postoperative external lumbar CSF drain even in the high-output CSF leaks.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Microscopic and Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery Versus Medical Therapy in the Management of Microprolactinoma in the United States

BACKGROUND

Although prolactinomas are treated effectively with dopamine agonists, some have proposed curative surgical resection for select cases of microprolactinomas to avoid life-long medical therapy. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing transsphenoidal surgery (either microsurgical or endoscopic) and medical therapy (either bromocriptine or cabergoline) with decision analysis modeling.

METHODS

A 2-armed decision tree was created with TreeAge Pro Suite 2012 to compare upfront transsphenoidal surgery versus medical therapy. The economic perspective was that of the health care third-party payer. On the basis of a literature review, we assigned plausible distributions for costs and utilities to each potential outcome, taking into account medical and surgical costs and complications. Base-case analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of each strategy at 5-year and 10-year time horizons.

RESULTS

In the base-case scenario, microscopic transsphenoidal surgery was the most cost-effective option at 5 years from the time of diagnosis; however, by the 10-year time horizon, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery became the most cost-effective option. At both time horizons, medical therapy (both bromocriptine and cabergoline) were found to be more costly and less effective than transsphenoidal surgery (i.e., the medical arm was dominated by the surgical arm in this model). Two-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that endoscopic resection would be the most cost-effective strategy if the cure rate from endoscopic surgery was greater than 90% and the complication rate was less than 1%. Monte Carlo simulation was performed for endoscopic surgery versus microscopic surgery at both time horizons. This analysis produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $80,235 per quality-adjusted life years at 5 years and $40,737 per quality-adjusted life years at 10 years, implying that with increasing time intervals, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the more cost-effective treatment strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the results of our model, transsphenoidal surgical resection of microprolactinomas, either microsurgical or endoscopic, appears to be more cost-effective than life-long medical therapy in young patients with life expectancy greater than 10 years. We caution that surgical resection for microprolactinomas be performed only in select cases by experienced pituitary surgeons at high-volume centers with high biochemical cure rates and low complication rates.

Complications after transsphenoidal surgery for patients with Cushing's disease and silent corticotroph adenomas

OBJECT The purpose of this study was to describe complications associated with the endonasal, transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-positive staining tumors (Cushing's disease [CD] and silent corticotroph adenomas [SCAs]) performed by 1 surgeon at a high-volume academic medical center. METHODS Medical records from Brigham and Women's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Selected for study were 82 patients with CD who during April 2008-April 2014 had consecutively undergone transsphenoidal resection or who had subsequent pathological confirmation of ACTH-positive tumor staining. In addition to demographic, patient, tumor, and surgery characteristics, complications were evaluated. Complications of interest included syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, diabetes insipidus (DI), CSF leakage, carotid artery injury, epistaxis, meningitis, and vision changes. RESULTS Of the 82 patients, 68 (82.9%) had CD and 14 (17.1%) had SCAs; 55 patients were female and 27 were male. Most common (n = 62 patients, 82.7%) were microadenomas, followed by macroadenomas (n = 13, 14.7%). A total of 31 (37.8%) patients underwent reoperation. Median follow-up time was 12.0 months (range 3-69 months). The most common diagnosis was ACTH-secreting (n = 68, 82.9%), followed by silent tumors/adenomas (n = 14, 17.1%). ACTH hyperplasia was found in 8 patients (9.8%). Of the 74 patients who had verified tumors, 12 (16.2%) had tumors with atypical features. The overall (CD and SCA) rate of minor complications was 35.4%; the rate of major complications was 8.5% (n = 7). All permanent morbidity was associated with DI (n = 5, 6.1%). In 16 CD patients (23.5%), transient DI developed. Transient DI was more likely to develop in CD patients who had undergone a second operation (37.9%) than in those who had undergone a first operation only (12.8%, p < 0.05). Permanent DI developed in 4 CD patients (5.9%) and 1 SCA patient (7.1%). For 1 CD patient, intraoperative carotid artery injury required endovascular sacrifice of the injured artery, but the patient remained neurologically intact. For another CD patient, aseptic meningitis developed and was treated effectively with corticosteroids. One CD patient experienced major postoperative epistaxis requiring another operative procedure to achieve hemostasis. For 2 CD patients, development of sinus mucoceles was managed conservatively. For 1 SCA patient, an abdominal wound dehisced at the fat graft site. No patients experienced postoperative CSF leakage, visual impairment, or deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Transsphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice for patients with CD and other ACTH-positive staining tumors. Recent advances in endoscopic technology and increasing surgeon comfort with this technology are making transsphenoidal procedures safer, faster, and more effective. Serious complications are uncommon and can be managed successfully.

Current indications for the surgical treatment of prolactinomas

The purpose of this study was to examine the current indications for transsphenoidal surgery in the prolactinoma patient population, and to determine the outcomes of patients who undergo such operations. Transsphenoidal surgery may be indicated in prolactinoma patients who are resistant and/or intolerant to dopamine agonist (DA) therapy. We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of prolactinoma patients over a 6 year period (April 2008 to April 2014) at a large volume academic center. The median follow-up time was 12.0 months (range: 3-69). All patients who were included in the study (n=66) were treated with DA therapy and subsequently underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal operation. Of the 66 patients, 44 were women (mean age 34.2 years) and 22 were men (mean 41.7 years). There were 29 (43.9%) intolerant patients and 29 (43.9%) resistant patients. Postoperatively, 18 intolerant patients (66.7%) had normalized prolactin levels without the need for DA therapy, and five (17.2%) required DA to normalize their prolactin levels (p=0.02). Six patients (20.6%) had persistently elevated prolactin levels but were no longer receiving DA treatment (p<0.001). Postoperatively, 10 resistant patients (35.7%) had normal prolactin levels without DA therapy, and seven patients (25%) were treated with DA therapy to normalize their prolactin levels (p=0.22). Eight patients (28.6%) had supraphysiologic prolactin levels but were no longer taking a DA (p<0.001). Three patients (10.7%) were hyperprolactinemic, despite postoperative treatment with DA (p<0.001). After an appropriate treatment interval with multiple DA, radiographic follow-up, and careful clinical evaluation, prolactinoma patients can be offered surgery as an effective therapeutic option.

The Expanding Spectrum of Disease Treated by the Transnasal, Transsphenoidal Microscopic and Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Approach: A Single-Center Experience 2008-2015

INTRODUCTION

The transsphenoidal approach was initially developed in neurosurgical practice as an operative approach to the pituitary gland. The introduction of the operating endoscope has improved the versatility of the transsphenoidal approach, broadening the spectrum of lesions that can be treated effectively with this operative strategy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent transnasal, transsphenoidal operations at Brigham and Women's Hospital from April 2008 to February 2015 and categorized each case by pathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 792 transnasal, transsphenoidal operations (512 endoscopic) were performed by 9 neurosurgeons for 33 pathologies over a 7-year period. Pituitary adenomas (535, 67.55%) were the most common impetus for a transsphenoidal operation. Others included Rathke cleft cysts (86, 10.86%), craniopharyngiomas (25, 3.16%), lympocytic hypophysitis/pituitary inflammation (21, 2.65%), arachnoid cysts (8, 1.01%), spindle cell oncocytoma (4, 0.51%), colloid cysts (4, 0.51%), and pituicytoma (2, 0.25%). Pituitary hyperplasia was treated in 9 cases (1.14%) and pituitary apoplexy in 7 (0.88%). Nineteen operations were undertaken for postoperative repairs (2.40%) and 3 for abscesses (0.38%). Other diseases treated transsphenoidally included chordomas (12, 1.52%), metastases (9, 1.14%), meningiomas (5, 0.63%), clival lesions (4, 0.51%), germinomas (3, 0.38%), granulomas (2, 0.25%), dermoid tumors (2, 0.25%), and 1 (0.13%) each of esthesioneuroblastoma, granular cell tumor, Wegener granulomatosis, olfactory neuroblastoma, glioneuronal tumor, chondromyxoid fibroma, epidermoid, meningoencephalocele, aneurysm, neuroendocrine carcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Although initially devised in neurosurgical practice for tumors of the pituitary gland, developments in technology now make the transsphenoidal approach an effective operative strategy for a wide range of anterior skull base lesions.

Pilot Study on Early Postoperative Discharge in Pituitary Adenoma Patients: Effect of Socioeconomic Factors and Benefit of Specialized Pituitary Centers

Introduction Pituitary neoplasms are benign entities that require distinct diagnostic and treatment considerations. Recent advances in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery have resulted in shorter lengths of stay (LOS). We implemented a postoperative day (POD) 1 discharge paradigm involving a multidisciplinary approach and detailed preoperative evaluation and review of both medical and socioeconomic factors. Methods The experience of a single neurosurgeon/ears, nose, throat (ENT) team was reviewed, generating a preliminary retrospective database of the first 30 patients who underwent resection of pituitary lesions under the POD 1 discharge paradigm. We assessed multiple axes from their preoperative, in-house, and postoperative care. Results There were 14 men and 16 women with an average age of 53.8 years (range: 27-76 years). There were 22 nonsecretory and 8 secretory tumors with average size of 2.80 cm (range: 1.3-5.0 cm). All 30 patients underwent preoperative ENT evaluation. Average LOS was 1.5 ± 0.7 days. A total of 18 of 30 patients were discharged on POD 1. The insurance status included 15 with public insurance such as emergency Medicaid and 15 with private insurance. Four patients had transient diabetes insipidus (DI); none had permanent DI. Overall, 28 of 30 patients received postoperative steroids. Factors that contributed to LOS > 1 day included public insurance status, two or more medical comorbidities, diabetes mellitus, transient panhypopituitarism, and DI. Conclusion The implementation of a POD 1 discharge plan for pituitary tumors is feasible and safe for elective patients. This implementation requires the establishment of a dedicated Pituitary Center model with experienced team members. The consistent limitation to early discharge was socioeconomic status. Efforts that incorporate the analysis of social disposition parameters with proper management of clinical sequelae are crucial to the maintenance of ideal LOS and optimal patient outcomes.

Combined high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopy increase extent of resection and progression-free survival for pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

The clinical benefit of combined intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) and endoscopy for transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection has not been completely characterized. This study assessed the impact of microscopy, endoscopy, and/or iMRI on progression-free survival, extent of resection status (gross-, near-, and sub-total resection), and operative complications.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses were performed on 446 transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgeries at a single institution between 1998 and 2012. Multivariate analyses were used to control for baseline characteristics, differences during extent of resection status, and progression-free survival analysis.

RESULTS

Additional surgery was performed after iMRI in 56/156 cases (35.9%), which led to increased extent of resection status in 15/156 cases (9.6%). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression revealed no increase in extent of resection status following iMRI or endoscopy alone; however, combining these modalities increased extent of resection status (odds ratio 2.05, 95% CI 1.21-3.46) compared to conventional transsphenoidal microsurgery. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that reduced extent of resection status shortened progression-free survival for near- versus gross-total resection [hazard ratio (HR) 2.87, 95% CI 1.24-6.65] and sub- versus near-total resection (HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.00-4.40). Complication comparisons between microscopy, endoscopy, and iMRI revealed increased perioperative deaths for endoscopy versus microscopy (4/209 and 0/237, respectively), but this difference was non-significant considering multiple post hoc comparisons (Fisher exact, p = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined use of endoscopy and iMRI increased pituitary adenoma extent of resection status compared to conventional transsphenoidal microsurgery, and increased extent of resection status was associated with longer progression-free survival. Treatment modality combination did not significantly impact complication rate.