Comparison of sinonasal quality of life and health status in patients undergoing microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary lesions: a prospective cohort study

The influence of radiological tumor growth pattern on sino‑nasal health in pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are one of the most common mass lesions of the brain and are associated with a reduced quality of life. While transnasal and transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches are considered to deliver similar recovery rates for sino-nasal health (SNH), the impact of radiological tumor growth patterns on SNH has not been evaluated. In the present study, the influence of radiological tumor growth on SNH was examined before and after endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection. Patient data were prospectively collected between August 1, 2016 and August 31, 2022. The Knosp and Hardy classifications were used to dichotomize pituitary adenoma lesions into low- and high-graded lesions. SNH was assessed shortly before surgery and at follow-up examinations 3-6 months after operation using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test for Neurosurgery (SNOT-NC) questionnaire. Fully completed SNOT-NC questionnaires were collected before and after surgery from a total of 101 patients. Independent t-tests showed significantly higher rates of deterioration after surgery in patients with Knosp low-graded lesions compared with those with high-graded tumors for the SNOT-NC total score P=0.048, nasal discomfort P=0.034, sleep problems P=0.024 and visual impairment P=0.042. Pre- and post-operative comparisons for the Knosp low-graded tumor cohort showed an increase of nasal discomfort (P=0.004), while the Knosp high-graded tumor cohort reported decreased visual impairment (P=0.016) after surgery. Assessing the Hardy classification, increased nasal discomfort was reported in patients with high-graded infrasellar tumors after surgery (P=0.046). Growth characteristics of pituitary adenomas based on Knosp and Hardy classifications may influence SNH. Patients with less invasive lesions were revealed to be more prone to experiencing a decrease in SNH, which went beyond the assumed deterioration of 1-3 months. These findings indicate the importance of detailed information regarding SNH as part of every pre-operative patient briefing.

Current and Future Perspectives of Microscopic and Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas: A Narrative Review

Transsphenoidal resection remains the standard treatment for most pituitary adenomas. However, the ideal surgical approach to safely access these lesions, either microsurgical or endoscopic, continues to be debated. Since the introduction of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, centers around the world have increasingly adopted this technique, experiencing a shift away from the conventional microsurgical approach. Large series reporting the efficacy and safety of endoscopic surgery have fueled a growing interest in comparing clinical outcomes between both approaches. Still, proving superiority of either surgical approach remains an elusive task due to the inherent drawbacks of surgical observational studies, as we are still faced with a growing body of evidence reporting conflicting results. Thus, a comprehensive discussion regarding the reach and limitations of both techniques becomes necessary. In this narrative review, we perform a critical appraisal of the literature and provide an expert opinion on the state-of-the-art in transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. The advantages and limitations of each approach are assessed and compared from a technical standpoint, and their reported outcomes evaluated in the framework of this transition phase. Available evidence should be interpreted in light of individual patient characteristics and within the context of each medical center, taking into consideration the known impact that surgical expertise and multidisciplinary management hold on clinical outcomes.

A Preoperative Nomogram for Prediction of Postoperative Hypocortisolism in Patients with Pituitary Adenomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs) are at an increased risk preoperatively and postoperatively for hypopituitarism. Postoperative hypocortisolism is associated with increased mortality and morbidity as well as poor quality of life. However, research about the risk factors for postoperative hypocortisolism is limited, and a predictive nomogram for postoperative hypocortisolism has not yet been developed. We aimed to investigate the predictive factors for postoperative hypocortisolism and construct a dynamic online nomogram.

METHODS

Our database included 438 consecutive PA patients who were hospitalized and treated with transsphenoidal surgery by experienced neurosurgeons from the different medical teams in the Neurosurgery Department, Jinling Hospital, between January 2018 and October 2020. The final study group included 238 eligible patients. Data on possible predictors, including age, sex, treatment history of PAs, preoperative signs and symptoms, primary recurrence subtype, and clinical subtypes, were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify independent predictors, which were included in constructing the nomogram model. The calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were computed to evaluate the predictive performance of the nomogram model.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative hypocortisolism was 12.08%. Three preoperative predictors were identified to construct the nomogram: surgical type (microscopic or endoscopic, with endoscopic surgery proven to be the protective factor) (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.093-0.610; P = 0.003), prothrombin time (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.332-4.326; P = 0.004), and basophil cell count (odds ratio, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.270-21.816; P = 0.022,). The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curve for the constructed nomogram was 0.749 (95% CI, 0.640-0.763); a well-fixed calibration curve was generated for the nomogram model. An interactive web-based dynamic nomogram application was also constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, surgical type, prothrombin time, and basophil cell count were the most relevant predictive factors for postoperative hypocortisolism. A predictive nomogram that can preoperatively assess the risk of hypocortisolism after surgical treatment of PAs was developed. This nomogram could be helpful in identifying high-risk patients who require close monitoring of serum cortisol levels and initiating clinical procedures for patients requiring cortisol administration therapy as a lifesaving strategy.

Endoscopic 1½-transseptal approach for pituitary surgery

Background

We previously introduced the one-and-a-half (1½) nostril endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (OETA) to reduce the damage to the nasal structures. Here, we reported the modified approach which is called the endoscopic 1½-transseptal approach (EOTA) for pituitary surgery by combining the OETA and the microscopic transseptal approach to simplify intranasal procedures and protect nasal mucosa. In EOTA, we removed the sellar lesions in a corridor that is composed of the right submucosal space and the anterior left ½ nasal cavity.

Methods

We introduced EOTA with a detailed technical description and preliminary clinical outcomes. A total of 128 patients who underwent EOTA for pituitary surgery from July 2018 to September 2020 were reviewed for evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Results

EOTA had a high gross total resection (GTR) rate and a 1ow complication rate. GTR was achieved in 106 (82.8%) patients, with 81.4% for pituitary adenomas and 93.3% for other non-adenomatous lesions. Post-operative complications included 3 patients (2.3%) with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, 3 patients (2.3%) with diabetes insipidus, 5 patients (3.9%) with anterior pituitary insufficiency and 2 patients (1.6%) with meningitis. In addition, EOTA simplified the intranasal procedures, which led to shortened operation time (67.8 minutes). The results of ASK nasal-12, the Lund-Kennedy score, and the odor identification test showed that patients who underwent EOTA recovered quickly after surgery and the nasal cavity returned to the preoperative condition both apparently and physiologically one month after surgery.

Conclusions

EOTA is a simple, safe and effective approach for pituitary lesions, which provides not only a sufficient surgical corridor for 2-surgeon/4- or 3-hands technique but also minimally invasive access to the sellar region.

Quality of Life Considerations in Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Anterior Cranial Base Tumors

Considering quality of life (QOL) is critical when discussing treatment options for patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) for cancers at the base of the skull. Several questionnaires have been developed and validated in the last 20 years to explore QOL in this patient population, including the Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire, Skull Base Inventory, EESBS Questionnaire, and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test for Neurosurgery. The Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 and Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 are other tools that have been used to measure sinonasal QOL in anterior cranial base surgery. In addition to pathology-related perturbations in QOL endoscopic surgical options (transsellar approaches, anterior cranial base surgery, and various reconstructive techniques) all have unique morbidities and QOL implications that should be considered. Finally, we look ahead to new and emerging techniques and tools aimed to help preserve and improve QOL for patients with anterior cranial base malignancies.

Incidence of Sinus Inflammation After Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery in the Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND

The extended endonasal approach has been utilized in the resection of anterior skull base lesions in the pediatric population. There are unique challenges to these patients in the post-operative setting, including patient compliance with medical therapy and post-operative debridements, and a smaller nasal airway that may increase propensity toward scarring. Our objective for this study is to evaluate the incidence of post-operative radiographic inflammation in this patient population using the Lund-Mackay (LM) score.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing endoscopic approach to the skull base between 2009 and 2021 was performed. Demographic and clinicopathologic data and pre- and post-operative imaging were analyzed. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple pairwise comparisons statistical tests were used to compare mean LM scores between groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients (52 males, 20 females) were identified with a median follow-up of 27 months. All patients underwent an extended endonasal approach for resection of skull base lesions. The mean LM scores were compared between pre-operative MRI, first post-operative MRI > 30 days after surgery, and most recent post-operative MRI. One-way ANOVA was performed with significant differences noted between the groups (p < 0.001). Tukey multiple pairwise comparisons test was then performed and noted significant differences between the pre-operative and first post-operative LM (p < 0.0001) and the first post-operative and most recent LM (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference noted between the pre-operative LM score and most recent LM score (p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

Despite concerns regarding possible subsequent development of chronic rhinosinusitis following endoscopic skull base surgery in pediatric patients, the current study suggests that transient radiographic evidence of sinus inflammation can be seen up to six months postoperatively, which appears to resolve by approximately two years after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2022.

A patient-reported outcome measure for patients with pituitary adenoma undergoing transsphenoidal surgery

PURPOSE

Pituitary adenomas affect patients' quality-of-life (QoL) across several domains, with long-term implications even following gross-total resection or disease remission. While clinical outcomes can assess treatment efficacy, they do not capture variations in QoL. We present the development and validation of a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients with pituitary adenomas undergoing transsphenoidal surgery.

METHODS

The COSMIN checklist informed the development of the pituitary outcome score (POS). Consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for suspected pituitary adenoma at a single centre were included prospectively. An expert focus group and patient interviews informed item generation. Item reduction was conducted through exploratory factor analysis and expert consensus, followed by assessment of the tool's validity, reliability, responsiveness, and interpretability.

RESULTS

96 patients with a median age of 50 years validated the POS. The final questionnaire included 25 questions with four subscales: EQ-5D-5L-QoL, Visual Symptoms, Endocrine Symptoms and Nasal Symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The POS is the first validated PROM for patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary adenoma. This PROM could be integrated into contemporary practice to provide patient-centred outcomes assessment for this patient group, aligning more closely with patient objectives.

Equivalent outcomes in nasal symptoms following microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: results from multi-centre, prospective study

Background

T ranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the standard approach for resection of pituitary lesions. Historically, this has utilized the microscopic approach (mTSS); however, the past decade has seen widespread uptake of the endoscopic approach (eTSS). The purported benefits of this include improved visualization and illumination, resulting in improved surgical and endocrinological patient outcomes. It is also believed that eTSS results in fewer post-operative nasal symptoms compared to mTSS; however, few papers have directly compared these groups.

Objectives

We sought to compare nasal symptoms after endoscopic uninostril (eTSS-uni), endoscopic binostril (eTSS-bi) and microscopic endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS).

Methods

The General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was prospectively administered to 136 patients (71 non-functioning adenomas, 26 functioning adenomas, 39 other pathology) undergoing transsphenoidal surgery at multiple time points (pre-operatively; days 1, 3 and 7–14; months 1, 3 and 6 and 1 year post-operatively). All surgeries were performed by subspecialist pituitary surgeons in three subgroups — mTSS (25), eTSS-uni (74) and eTSS-bi (37). The total GNPI scores (0–135) and subscores for the 45 individual components were compared across three groups assessing for temporal and absolute changes.

Results

Irrespective of surgical approach used, GNPI scores were significantly higher on post-operative day 1 (p < 0.001) and day 3 (p ≤ 0.03) compared to pre-treatment baseline (mixed-effects model). By 1 month post-operatively, however, post-operative GNPI scores were no different from pre-treatment (p > 0.05, mixed-effects model). Whilst the eTSS-uni group demonstrated significantly lower GNPI scores at day 1 post-op compared to the mTSS group (p = 0.05) and eTSS-bi group (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in post-operative scores between approaches beyond 1–2 weeks post-operatively. Similar results were obtained when the non-functioning tumour group was analysed separately.

Conclusions

Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is well tolerated. Post-operative nasal symptoms transiently worsen but ultimately improve compared to pre-operative baseline. Operative approach (microscopic, endoscopic uninostril or endoscopic binostril) only has a transient effect on severity of post-operative nasal symptoms.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-022-05138-5.

A Prospective Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Benign Pituitary Gland Lesion

Introduction Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has become the preferred approach for pituitary tumor resection. Nevertheless, research on quality of life related to pituitary adenoma surgery is scarce.

Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate short-term quality of life in patients after endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors and to find predictors for poor quality of life (QOL) outcome.

Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted, including all patients who underwent EES for pituitary tumors in a tertiary medical referral center. Recruited patients completed the Anterior Skull Base Disease-Specific QOL (ASBS-Q) questionnaire and the Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire before surgery, 2 and 4 to 6 months after surgery. Demographic and clinical data was collected.

Results Our study included 49 patients. The overall ASBS-Q scores significantly improved 4 to 6 months after surgery (4.46 vs. 4.2, p < 0.05). We found a significant improvement in QOL related to emotional state 2 months post surgery (4.41 vs. 3.87, p < 0.05), which became borderline significant 4 to 6 months post surgery. There was a significant improvement in pain (4.5 vs. 4.08, p < 0.05) and vitality (4.43 vs. 4.16, p < 0.05) domains 4 to 6 months post surgery. SNOT-22 scores did not change significantly postoperatively. Factors such as secreting and non-secreting tumors, tumor size, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, gross tumor resection, endocrine remission, and the use of nasoseptal flap reconstruction did not have a significant effect on QOL.

Conclusion We found that patients after EES reported improved QOL 4 to 6 months post surgery. Specific improvement was noted in the QOL related to pain and vitality.

Impact of patient-reported nasal symptoms on quality of life after endoscopic pituitary surgery: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery causes nasal morbidity and negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Knowledge on actionable symptoms that could improve postoperative HRQoL is therefore important. This study assessed the impact of nasal symptoms on postoperative HRQoL.

METHODS

This perioperative cohort study included 103 adult patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary adenoma resection (August 2016-December 2018), with measurements preoperatively, and 5 days, 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Nasal symptoms were measured with the Anterior Skull base nasal inventory-12, and HRQoL with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS). Linear regression analysis was used to assess (1) determinants of postoperative nasal morbidity, (2) associations between number of symptoms or (3) individual symptoms and HRQoL, and (4) the percentage of variance of HRQoL explained by nasal symptoms.

RESULTS

The number of nasal symptoms transiently increased after surgery. No significant treatment- or disease-related determinants of nasal morbidity were identified. The number of nasal symptoms was significantly associated with a lower PCS (β = - 1.0; 95%CI - 1.5, - 0.4), but not with MCS at 6 weeks. Similar results were observed at 6 months. Headaches (42.2%), problems with smell (42.0%), and taste (36.0%) were the most prevalent symptoms, while sense of smell and taste, and nasal discharge showed the strongest associations with HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative nasal symptoms, in particular problems with smell and taste, significantly affect pituitary patients' physical HRQoL. Monitoring of these symptoms may aid in determining which patients may benefit from intensified follow-up and treatment, aiming to optimize HRQoL.

Endoscopic vs. Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for the Treatment of Pituitary Adenoma: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Currently, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (MTS) are commonly applied treatments for patients with pituitary adenomas. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETS and MTS for these patients.

Methods

A computer search of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies investigating ETS and MTS for patients with pituitary adenomas. The deadline is March 01, 2021. RevMan5.1 software was used to complete this meta-analysis after literature screening, data extraction, and literature quality evaluation.

Results

A total of 37 studies including 5,591 patients were included. There was no significant difference in gross tumor removal (GTR) and hormone-excess secretion remission (HES remission) between two groups [RR = 1.10, 95% CI (0.99–1.22), P = 0.07; RR = 1.09, 95% CI (1.00–1.20), P = 0.05]. ETS was associated with lower incidence of diabetes insipidus (DI) [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.58–0.87), P = 0.0008], hypothyroidism [RR = 0.64, 95% CI (0.47–0.89), P = 0.007], and septal perforation [RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.13–0.79), P = 0.01] than those with MTS.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that ETS cannot significantly improve GTR and HES remission. However, ETS could reduce the incidence of DI, hypothyroidism, and septal perforation without increasing the rate of other complications.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, identifier: CRD42021241217.

Sinonasal quality of life in patients after an endoscopic endonasal surgery of a sellar tumour

Endoscopic endonasal approach uses the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses to access the cranial base and may be a source of post-surgical morbidity in many patients with a sellar tumour. The objective of the presented study was to evaluate sinonasal quality of life and assess the effect of chosen reconstruction of the cranial base on the final condition. 65 patients, 33 male and 32 female who underwent an endoscopic endonasal surgery due to sellar expansion, were included into this prospective study. Sinonasal quality of life was evaluated using the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire before the surgery and six months after the surgery. Sinonasal quality of life was evaluated for the total cohort of patients and for patients after reconstruction (fascia lata, muscle) and without reconstruction. The minimum follow-up period was one year. There was no significant difference between the score (SNOT-22) before the surgery (average 14.4 points) and after the surgery (average 17.5 points), p = 0.067 in the whole cohort. Statistically significant differences were found in the following items-the need to blow nose, nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste, and thick discharge from the nose. The comparison of subgroups with and without the reconstruction yielded statistically significant differences in favour of patients with reconstruction in the following items-lack of high-quality sleep and feeling exhaustion. The endoscopic endonasal approach in patients with a sellar tumour is a gentle method with minimal effects on sinonasal quality of life over a period longer than six months. The most common complaints are the need to blow nose, nasal congestion, loss of smell and taste, and thick discharge from the nose. Cranial base reconstruction using the muscle and fascia lata seems to be a potential factor positively influencing sinonasal quality of life.

Postoperative Oral Antibiotics and Sinonasal Outcomes Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors Study: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used in pituitary surgery, but evidence supporting their use is lacking, which has implications for antibiotic stewardship.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether receipt of postoperative oral antibiotics results in superior sinonasal quality of life (QOL) compared with placebo among patients who undergo endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or cefdinir (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in patients intolerant to cefdinir) for 7 d after surgery. They were monitored for 12 wk. The primary outcome measure was sinonasal QOL at 2 wk on the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Supplementary end points included sinonasal QOL reported on the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 and objective endoscopy scores to assess nasal healing according to the Lund-Kennedy method.

RESULTS

A total of 461 patients were screened, 131 were randomized, and 113 (placebo arm: 55; antibiotic arm: 58) were analyzed. There was no clinically meaningful or statistically significant difference in sinonasal QOL at any measured time point (P ≥ .24) using either instrument. Nasal cavity endoscopy scores were not significantly different at 1 to 2 wk after surgery (P = .25) or at 3 to 4 wk after surgery (P = .08).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics did not result in superior sinonasal QOL compared with placebo among patients who underwent standard endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

New Approach for Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Modified Nasoseptal Rescue Flap

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic endonasal approach has become popularly preferred for pituitary surgery in recent years. In this study we described a new technique which is developed by the first author and which is modified from The Rivera-Serrano "salvage" flap approach. With this new technique the septum morbidity was completely prevented and a wider and more comfortable vision was provided for the operation.

MATERIALMETHOD

This study consists 7 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (EETPS) with the described technique (modified salvage flap technique) between 2017 and 2019 and 13 patients underwent EETPS using salvage flap technique. The follow-up period was at least 6 months (24-6 months) for septal integrity.

RESULTS

Intraoperative septum integrity was observed in all 7 patients who were treated with modified rescue flap technique. In 9 of 13 patients who had salvage flap technique, intraoperative septum posterior defects were observed. In postoperative follow-up (min postop 3 months), endoscopic examination showed no septal perforation in 6 patients who were treated with modified rescue flap technique, and 1 patient had 2 × 2 mm perforation posteriorly. In postoperative endoscopic follow-up of 13 patients who underwent salvage flap technique (min postop 3 months), 4 patients had complete septal integrity, while 9 patients had different sizes of posterior septal perforation.

CONCLUSION

According to other described approach techniques, our modification using a pedicle and septum protective-transposition technique provides improved access to the downstream side of the sphenoid sinus and clivus, allowing the pedicle to slide down and take a more horizontal position. The improved maneuverability of the pedicle created in the case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage as a complication also allows it to be used as a bilateral wing to cover the exposed bone. We think that this technique is the best method to be used for EETPS with modified saline flap technique.

Impact of Routine Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery on Subjective Olfaction and Gustation Outcomes

BACKGROUND

As endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) for sellar pathology has become routine, there is increasing awareness of quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes related to this approach. Similarly, there is a growing interest in postoperative chemosensory function, with notable emphasis on olfaction and the corresponding psychosocial implications of olfactory dysfunction. Meanwhile, there has been minimal direct investigation into gustatory outcomes, and the association between these 2 chemosensory functions remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate patient-reported chemosensory function and rhinologic-specific QOL following EESBS for routine sellar pathologies.

METHODS

Comprehensive clinical characteristics and sinonasal QOL assessments, measured using Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 (ASK Nasal-12), were collected from 46 patients undergoing EESBS for sellar pathology.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were included: 65.2% female, average age 52.8 yr (range: 27-89). The most common pathology was nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (n = 28). Preoperative ASK Nasal-12 scores (mean = 0.81) demonstrated postoperative worsening at 2 wk (mean = 2.52, P < .0001) and 1 mo (mean = 1.33, P = .0031), with no difference at 3 mo postoperatively (mean = 0.89, P = .92). Meanwhile, there was significant worsening of preoperative subjective smell (mean = 0.62) and taste function (mean = 0.42) at 2 wk (mean = 3.48, P < .0001; mean = 2.69, P < .0001) and 1 mo (mean = 2.40, P < .0001; mean = 2.03, P < .0001) postoperatively, which persisted at approximately 3 mo postoperatively (mean = 1.26, P = .04; mean = 1.15, P = .0059).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing EESBS for sellar pathologies experience anticipated, temporary disruptions in sinonasal QOL but may have longer lasting perturbations in subjective olfaction and gustation. Given the increasing use of the endoscopic endonasal corridor, further investigation in postoperative chemosensory function is essential.

SF-12 or SF-36 in pituitary disease? Toward concise and comprehensive patient-reported outcomes measurements

PURPOSE

Pituitary diseases severely affect patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The most frequently used generic HRQoL questionnaire is the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The shorter 12-item version (SF-12) can improve efficiency of patient monitoring. This study aimed to determine whether SF-12 can replace SF-36 in pituitary care.

METHODS

In a longitudinal cohort study (August 2016 to December 2018) among 103 endoscopically operated adult pituitary tumor patients, physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of SF-36 and SF-12 were measured preoperatively, and 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Chronic care was assessed with a cross-sectional study (N = 431). Mean differences and agreement between SF-36 and SF-12 change in scores (preoperative vs. 6 months) were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and limits of agreement, depicting 95% of individual patients.

RESULTS

In the longitudinal study, mean differences between change in SF-36 and SF-12 scores were 1.4 (PCS) and 0.4 (MCS) with fair agreement for PCS (ICC = 0.546) and substantial agreement for MCS (ICC = 0.931). For 95% of individual patients, the difference between change in SF-36 and SF-12 scores varied between -14.0 and 16.9 for PCS and between -7.8 and 8.7 for MCS. Cross-sectional results showed fair agreement for PCS (ICC = 0.597) and substantial agreement for MCS (ICC = 0.943).

CONCLUSIONS

On a group level, SF-12 can reliably reproduce MCS in pituitary patients, although PCS is less well correlated. However, individual differences between SF-36 and SF-12 can be large. For pituitary diseases, alternative strategies are needed for concise, but comprehensive patient-reported outcome measurement.

Quality-of-life evaluation for patients submitted to nasal endoscopic surgery for resection of pituitary tumours

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the pre- and post-operative quality-of-life of patients submitted to the resection of pituitary adenoma via endoscopic transsphenoidal.

METHODS

This was a prospective study on patients submitted to endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with the harvest of a nasoseptal flap who responded to the questionnaires FV-36 and SNOT-22 in the pre-operative and in months 1, 3 and 6 following the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients submitted to pituitary adenoma resection surgery via endoscopic transsphenoidal with a nasoseptal flap were recruited. In all of the physical and mental domains (SF-36) evaluated, there was an improvement in the long-term evaluation (6 months), compared to the pre-operative, as well as in the site-specific evaluation (SNOT-22).

CONCLUSION

The global and site-specific questionnaires in the 6th post-operative month follow-up presented an important improvement in all the physical and mental domains evaluated, as well as in nasal function in the perception of the patients submitted to pituitary adenoma resection via endoscopic transsphenoidal, demonstrating the safety and efficiency of the procedure.

Olfactory outcomes after endonasal skull base surgery: a systematic review

For the last two decades, endonasal approach has been regularly applied to treat skull base lesions. However, postoperative olfactory dysfunction remains an unsolved problem. This systematic review aimed to identify factors that might affect postoperative olfactory prognosis of patients undergoing endonasal surgery for resection of sellar/parasellar lesions. The literature search was conducted comprehensively to exhaust studies which focused on patients' olfaction with objective olfactory assessments after endonasal skull base surgery. We sought to characterize the potential factors that might affect postoperative olfactory outcomes. Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria. We found that (1) endoscopic surgery was beneficial to patients' olfactory prognosis than microscopic surgery (incidence of postoperative decreased olfactory function: 18.48% (39/211) for the endoscopic group and 36.88% (52/141) for the microscopic group, P < 0.01); meta-analysis for single rate, 20% (95% CI 9-30%) for the endoscopic group and 35% (95% CI 0-72%) for the microscopic group); (2) harvesting septal flaps was an unfavorable factor for olfactory recovery and the rescue flap technique should be preferred compared with the HB flap; (3) no evidence showed that resection of the middle turbinate was detrimental to recovery of olfaction. Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery may have better olfactory outcomes than those undergoing microscopic endonasal surgery for resection of sellar/parasellar lesions. Special attention should be paid when using septal flaps is planned and the rescue flap technique should be the preferred choice. After resecting the middle turbinate, patients' olfaction still has a great chance of returning to the baseline. More homogeneous and high-quality studies are needed for further assessment.

Quality of life and olfactory function after suprasellar craniopharyngioma surgery-a single-center experience comparing transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches

The endoscopic endonasal approach to suprasellar craniopharyngiomas has become popular as alternative to transcranial approaches. However, the literature lacks data regarding quality of life and olfactory function. The assessment of the long-term quality of life and olfactory function of all patients harboring a suprasellar craniopharyngioma who underwent surgery in our department has been done. Patient characteristics and perioperative data were gathered in a prospectively maintained database. At the last follow-up visit, the olfactory function and the quality of life (ASBQ, SNOT-22) as well as visual and pituitary function were assessed. Thirteen and 17 patients underwent surgery via a transcranial (T) and endonasal (E) route, respectively. No differences were seen in ASBQ, SNOT-22, and olfactory function between T and E, but in E were more full-time worker and less obesity. CSF leaks occurred in 15% of T and 29% of E (p = 0.43). Patients from group E had a superior visual outcome which was most pronounced in the visual field. The degree of new anterior and posterior pituitary gland deficiency after surgery and in the follow-up was lower in group E. The general and sinonasal quality of life and the olfactory function are equal in E and T. E is associated with a superior visual outcome, lower rates of diabetes insipidus, and lower rates of obesity, but has a higher risk for postoperative CSF leaks.

Resumption of Positive-Pressure Ventilation Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnea following Transsphenoidal Surgery: An Institutional Experience of a Surgical Cohort

Objectives  Transsphenoidal surgery creates a skull base defect that may cause postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or pneumocephalus. This study reviewed the institutional experience of a pituitary center in managing patients who use positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) devices for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after transsphenoidal surgery, which risks disturbing the skull base repair. Design  Retrospective review. Setting  Pituitary referral center in a major metropolitan medical center. Methods  PPV was resumed at the discretion of the treatment team based on intraoperative findings and OSA severity. Perioperative complications related to resuming and withholding PPV were recorded. Participants  Transsphenoidal surgery patients with OSA using PPV devices. Main Outcome Measures  Intracranial complications before and after resuming PPV. Results  A total of 42 patients met the study criteria. Intraoperative CSF leakage was encountered and repaired in 20 (48%) patients. Overall, 38 patients resumed PPV (median: 3.5 weeks postsurgery; range: 0.14-52 weeks) and 4 patients did not resume PPV. Postoperatively, no patient experienced CSF leakage or pneumocephalus before or after resuming PPV. Four (10%) patients required temporary nocturnal supplemental oxygen at home, one patient was reintubated after a myocardial infarction, and one patient had a prolonged hospital stay due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. Conclusions  Resuming PPV use after transsphenoidal surgery did not result in intracranial complications. However, delay in resuming PPV resulted in four patients requiring oxygen at home. We propose a preliminary PPV device management algorithm based on the size of the intraoperative CSF leak to facilitate future studies.

Assessing the surgical outcome of the "chopsticks" technique in endoscopic transsphenoidal adenoma surgery

OBJECTIVE

The "chopsticks" technique is a 3-instrument, 2-hand mononostril technique that has been recently introduced in endoscopic neurosurgery. It allows a dynamic surgical view controlled by one surgeon only while keeping bimanual dissection. Being a mononostril approach, it requires manipulation of the mucosa of one nasal cavity only. The rationale of the technique is to reduce nasal morbidity without compromising surgical results and complication rates. There are, however, no data available on its results in endoscopic surgery (transsphenoidal surgery [TSS]) for pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort analysis of prospectively collected data on 144 patients (156 operations) undergoing TSS using the chopsticks technique with 3T intraoperative MRI. All patients had at least 3 months of postoperative neurosurgical, endocrinological, and rhinological follow-up (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 [SNOT-20] and Sniffin' Sticks). The surgical technique is described, and the achieved gross-total resection (GTR) and extent of resection (EOR) together with patients' clinical outcomes and complications are descriptively reported.

RESULTS

On 3-month postoperative MRI, GTR was achieved in 71.2% of patients with a mean EOR of 96.7%. GTR was the surgical goal in 122 of 156 cases and was achieved in 106 of 122 (86.9%), with a mean EOR of 98.7% (median 100%, range 49%-100%). There was no surgical mortality. At a median follow-up of 15 months (range 3-70 months), there was 1 permanent neurological deficit. As of the last available follow-up, 11.5% of patients had a new pituitary single-axis deficit, whereas 26.3% had improvement in endocrinological function. Three patients had new postoperative hyposmia. One patient had severe impairment of sinonasal function (SNOT-20 score > 40). The operation resulted in endocrine remission in 81.1% of patients with secreting adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the chopsticks technique confers resection and morbidity results that compare favorably with literature reports of TSS. This technique permits a single surgeon to perform effective endoscopic bimanual dissection through a single nostril, reducing manipulation of healthy tissue and thereby possibly minimizing surgical morbidity.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Rhinological Consequences of Microsurgical Endonasal-Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

BACKGROUND

Transsphenoidal surgery for sellar lesions may affect patency and function of the nasal airways, smell and sinonasal quality of life. Below is our report on otorhinolaryngological data garnered from patients undergoing endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary microsurgery.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 68 patients scheduled for transsphenoidal operations (32 female, 36 male, age 17-72 years) underwent otorhinolaryngological evaluation of their nasal morphology, a standardized smell test (sniffin' sticks) and rhinomanometry to analyse nasal breathing function preoperatively, 3-5 days postoperatively (without rhinomanometry), after 3-4 months and after 9 months.

RESULTS

Immediately after surgery, a reduction in smell sensation was detected in almost all patients. Within 3 months, this impairment resolved in all cases except one. In 2 patients (3%) with preoperative anosmia, improvement of smell function to>6 out of 12 sniffin' sticks was observed. At final visit no patient was noted to have new anosmia. Within 3 months, the results of the rhinomanometry revealed that all patients except one, regained their preoperative nasal breathing function. In 6 patients (8.8%) an improvement in their nose breathing abilities compared to the preoperative state was found. Three patients (4.4%) underwent a LASER transection of mucosal synechiae. In one case with persistent nasal obstruction (1.5%), secondary septoplasty had to be performed. There was no case in which perforation of the nasal septum, nasal tip deflection, or saddle nose deformity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical resection of pituitary tumors via the endonasal transsphenoidal approach poses an acceptable risk with regards to sinonasal complications. The incidence of secondary rhinosurgical interventions is low. Standardized comparative studies between endoscopic and microsurgical transsphenoidal operations should be undertaken.

A Comparison of Olfactory and Sinonasal Outcomes in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery Performed by a Single Neurosurgeon or a Collaborative Team of Surgeons

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic pituitary surgery usually requires a collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes. However, neurosurgeons occasionally perform these procedures alone without an ENT surgeon. In this study, postoperative sinonasal quality of life and olfactory function were compared in patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon or by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients who underwent endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma from January 2015 to April 2018 were included. The study patients were divided into two groups; patients in group 1 underwent surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon, while patients in group 2 received surgery performed by a collaborative team of surgeons. Olfaction was assessed using a subjective Likert scale, the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT), and the butanol threshold test (BTT). In addition, patients answered the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire regarding sinonasal quality of life before and 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

This study included 152 patients (46 patients in group 1 and 106 patients in group 2). Significant differences were not observed between the two groups regarding age, sex, tumor size, or operation time. Although subjective olfaction was not significantly different before and after surgery, group 2 showed significantly better objective olfactory function based on the CC-SIT (8.44±3.00 vs. 9.84±1.40; P=0.012) and BTT (4.67±0.84 vs. 5.02±0.33; P=0.022) scores at 3 months after surgery. The SNOT-22 scores were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, better olfactory outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery performed by a collaborative team of a neurosurgeon and an ENT surgeon. This result shows the need for collaboration between neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons in endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Long-Term Sinonasal Function Following Transnasal Pituitary Surgery: A Comparison of Surgical Approach

Background

Surgical approaches to the pituitary have undergone significant changes from transcranial, sublabial, direct transnasal microscopic, and now endoscopic. This study compares sinonasal outcomes from patients from these techniques.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of patients who underwent pituitary surgery in a tertiary setting was conducted. Patients were recruited via phone, mail, e-mail, and in person. Surveys with questions on nasal function, subsequent nasal treatment, the Nasal Symptom Score (NSS), Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), and Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2) were obtained.

Results

A total of 252 surveys were sent, of which 165 were returned (65.48% response rate) and 16 were excluded (3 records destroyed, 13 transcranial approach). A total of 149 patients (age 60.10 ± 13.99 years, 47.83% female) were assessed with the following breakdown: sublabial (n = 69), transnasal microscopic (n = 28), and endoscopic (n = 52) approaches. Sublabial and transnasal microscopic, compared to endoscopic, had more sinus treatment (30.43%, 39.29%, and 15.38%; P = .05), medication use (28.99%, 32.14%, and 11.54%; P = .04), and new allergy symptoms (21.74%, 7.14%, and 1.92%; P < .01). Compared to sublabial and transnasal microscopic, endoscopic patients had superior NSSs (0.40 [1.00], 0.60 [1.75], and 0.20 [0.60]; P = .05), SNOT-22 total scores (1.02 ± 0.58, 1.40 ± 0.78, and 1.00 ± 0.59; P < .01), and CSS medication subscores (100.00 [8.33], 100.00 [8.33], and 100.00 [0.00]; P = .03). Endoscopic patients also reported superior SF-36v2 physical subscores (44.02 ± 11.14, 41.13 ± 9.86, and 47.60 ± 10.12; P = .03).

Conclusion

Nasal function was superior, and further sinus therapy and medication use was lower in patients with endoscopic approaches. Disease-specific quality of life was superior and the endoscopic approach resulted in reduced long-term sinonasal morbidity.

Impact of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas on overall health-related quality of life: a longitudinal cohort study

Background: Previous studies show a moderate improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, but no consistent predictors of HRQoL outcome have been identified. We aimed to evaluate overall HRQoL changes following such surgery, and assess potential patient or tumour characteristics that predict HRQoL outcome.Materials and methods: Sixty adult patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas were prospectively enrolled. They completed the EQ-5D 3L, a generic HRQoL questionnaire, preoperatively, and at one (n = 57) and six months (n = 56) postoperatively. HRQoL was assessed as both postoperative change in median EQ-5D 3L score, and as change greater than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in EQ-5D 3L score. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess potential predictors of clinically significant HRQoL changes (>MCID) at six months postoperatively.Results: There was a slight, but statistically significant, improvement in median EQ-5D 3L scores at six months postoperatively compared to preoperatively. Sixteen patients (29%) reported a clinically significant improvement in HRQoL at six months postoperatively, and larger preoperative tumour volume was a statistically significant predictor of such improvement. Eight patients (14%) reported a clinically significant deterioration in HRQoL at six months, but none of the assessed variables predicted such deterioration.Conclusions: Patient-reported overall HRQoL improved slightly after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas at group level. Patients with larger tumours might have more HRQoL benefits from surgery, but the mechanisms behind the predictive nature of tumour volume remain unknown.

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12

BACKGROUND

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is defined as the smallest change in health-related quality of life (QOL) that patients consider meaningful. The MCID is essential for determining clinically significant changes, rather than simply statistically significant changes, in QOL scores. The Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 (ASK Nasal-12), a site-specific sinonasal QOL instrument, has emerged as a standard instrument for assessing QOL in patients who have undergone endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the MCID for the ASK Nasal-12.

METHODS

Distribution- and anchor-based methods were used to determine the MCID for the ASK Nasal-12 based on raw data from a multicenter prospective QOL study of 218 patients.

RESULTS

Two distribution-based statistical methods, the one-half standard deviation method and the effect-size method, both yielded MCIDs of 0.37 (medium effect). The first anchor-based method, using the 2-wk postoperative overall nasal functioning item as the anchor, yielded an MCID of 0.31. The second anchor-based method, using the 2-wk postoperative Short Form Health Survey 8 bodily pain item as the anchor, yielded an MCID of 0.29.

CONCLUSION

The largest MCID obtained for the ASK Nasal-12 using 4 statistical methods 2 wk postoperatively was 0.37. This information provides clinicians with an essential context for determining the clinical significance of changes in QOL scores after interventions. Our results will help clinicians better interpret QOL scores and design future studies that are powered to detect meaningful QOL changes.

Patient-Level Factors Influencing Hospital Costs and Short-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes After Transsphenoidal Resection of Sellar Tumors

BACKGROUND

Identifying which factors influence treatment costs of transsphenoidal surgery for removal of sellar lesions can be complex.

OBJECTIVE

To identify which patient-level factors are associated with higher costs and evaluate the relationship between expenditures and short-term patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

We used an institutional database tool to review prospectively collected data on patients (≥10 yr old) undergoing transsphenoidal sellar surgery. Hospital costs, demographic data, disease-specific variables, hospital-related measures, and patient-reported outcomes (Euro-QOL 5D [EQ-5D] responses) were collected for all patients.

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria. A multivariable logistic regression model for hospital costs showed a significant association between higher costs and adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting tumors (odds ratio [OR] 86.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.43-2176.42), larger tumor size (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.28), and in-hospital complications (OR 14.98, 95% CI 2.21-101.68). The largest contributor to hospital costs in our cohort was facility cost (75%), followed by pharmacy (13%) and supply (7%) costs. Most patients (65.8%) had stable or improved EQ-5D responses at 1-mo follow-up. Stability or improvement in EQ-5D was more likely in patients with lower preoperative EQ-5D scores (P < .015) and with higher postoperative EQ-5D scores (P < .001) on univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Most patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for sellar tumors experience stable or improved postoperative quality of life, even shortly after surgery. Factors associated with increased costs of surgery included larger tumor size and in-hospital complications. Using these data, further study can be directed at determining which interventions may improve the value of transsphenoidal surgery.

A systematic review of effects and complications after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: endoscopic versus microscopic approach

Background: Microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (MTS) has been considered as the gold standard for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, but nowadays endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) has become popular due to its wide view and improved lighting.Material and methods: The electronic databases were systematically searched, and the meta-analyses of the eligible studies that evaluated endoscopic versus microscopic methods in patients with pituitary surgery were conducted with Review Manager 5.0. The primary outcomes included visual improvement, gross tumor removal (GTR), cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) leak, diabetes insipidus (DI), other complications, and length of hospital stay. The Egger's test was conducted to estimate possible publication bias.Results: In total, 13 articles eventually met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses suggested that the differences with regard to visual improvement, overall complication rate, GTR, CSF leak, diabetes insipidus (DI), meningitis, visual impairment, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), new onset hypopituitarism, and hypothyroidism between the endoscopic and microscopic groups were not statistically significant. The length of hospital stay was much longer with the microscopic approach when compared with the endoscopic method.Conclusion: The endoscopic and microscopic approaches show similar effects and complication rates. The endoscopic technique could be adopted as a reasonable alternative in pituitary surgery.

Analysis of Olfaction after Bilateral Nasoseptal Rescue Flap Transsphenoidal Approach with Olfactory Mucosal Preservation

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the impact of septal olfactory strip preservation and bilateral rescue flap elevation on the incidence of olfactory dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (2012-2014).

SETTING

Providence Saint John's Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The incidences of postoperative epistaxis, hyposmia, and anosmia were analyzed using the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT), which was completed in 110 of the 165 patients.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients required extended approaches. Bilateral nasoseptal rescue flaps were elevated in 144 patients (87.3%) and pedicled nasoseptal or middle turbinate flaps in 21 patients (12.7%). The neurovascular pedicles were preserved in all patients, and there were no episodes of postoperative arterial epistaxis. Normal olfaction was noted in 95 patients (86%), with new hyposmia noted in 5 patients (5.5%). Within the rescue flap cohort, new hyposmia occurred in 6.3% (P < .01) of patients, balanced by improvement of olfaction in 43% of patients with preoperative dysfunction (overall pre- and postoperative olfactory function: 85% vs 86%). Patients with pedicled nasoseptal flaps did not have new hyposmia, with a net improvement of olfaction (71% vs 86%, P = .07). No patients experienced new anosmia. There was no difference between flap type within either subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Superior olfactory strip preservation during elevation of reconstructive flaps preserves olfactory function and maintains adequate surgical exposure. In addition, rescue flaps have significantly diminished the rate of arterial postoperative epistaxis while maintaining the ability to harvest nasoseptal flaps for future reconstruction.

Impacts of Surgery on Symptom Burden and Quality of Life in Pituitary Tumor Patients in the Subacute Post-operative Period

Background: Pituitary tumors are rare but are associated with significant symptoms that impact patients' quality of life (QOL). Surgery remains one of the most effective treatment options for long term disease control and symptom benefit, but symptom, and quality of life recovery in the subacute period has not been previously reported. This study aimed to better understand the impact of surgery on patients' symptom burden and QOL in the subacute post-surgical period. Methods: Twenty-three adult patients with pituitary tumors undergoing surgical resection at University of North Carolina Cancer Hospital were enrolled in this study. M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor Module, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires were collected pre- and 1-month post- surgical resection and differences were analyzed for individual and groups of symptoms and QOL using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Twenty adult patients had both pre-operation and post-operation follow-up visits; 60% had functional pituitary adenomas. Seven symptoms including fatigue, memory, vision, numbness, speaking, appearance, and weakness were significantly improved at the 1-month post-operation visit while one symptom, sleep, worsened. Global Health Status/QOL measurements was improved minimally from 63 (SD 25) at pre-operation to 67 (SD 22) at 1-month post-operation without statistical significance. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a rapid improvement of many symptoms in the subacute post-operative period in pituitary tumor patients. Disturbed sleep was identified as the only symptom to worsen post-operatively, encouraging potential prospective interventions to improve sleep, and subsequently improve the QOL in pituitary tumor patients following surgical intervention.

Technological and Ideological Innovations in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull base surgery has evolved over the last several decades due to technological advances and operative techniques. Several innovations that are not yet mainstream may have significant impact on the future of endoscopic skull base surgery.

METHODS

Current literature pertaining to innovations in endoscopic skull base surgery was retrieved using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Several recent innovations may play an influential role in the advancement of endoscopic skull base surgery, including fluorescent dyes such as indocyanine green fluorescence, fluorescein, and 5-aminolevulinic acid, 3-dimensional endoscopes, robotic surgery, and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Several technologies are under current investigation with the hope to improve future outcomes in endoscopic skull base surgery. Additional research and evolution are necessary and will require intense scrutiny before becoming standard of care.

[Modern Management of Pituitary Adenomas - Current State of Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-Up]

Modern Management of Pituitary Adenomas - Current State of Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-Up Abstract. Pituitary adenomas (PA) are benign neoplasms originating from parenchymal cells of the anterior pituitary. Tumor mass effect can cause headaches, visual deficits by compression of the optic chiasm, and partial or complete hypopituitarism. Hormone secreting PA can cause several forms of specific syndromes such as Cushing's disease or acromegaly depending on the type of hormone. Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection is the preferred treatment option for most symptomatic or growing PA. Nowadays techniques like high definition intraoperative MRI can assist the surgeon in his goal of maximal safe resection. An exception are prolactinomas which can usually be treated medically with dopamine agonists. Therapy of PA is complex and should be managed in a high-volume center with an interdisciplinary team approach including neurosurgeons and endocrinologists.

How non-functioning pituitary adenomas can affect health-related quality of life: a conceptual model and literature review

After treatment for a non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) improves considerably. However, the literature about the normalization of HR-QoL after treatment is inconclusive. Some researchers described a persistently decreased HR-QoL compared to reference data, while others did not. Considering this variety in observed HR-QoL outcomes, the aim of the present review was to provide a literature overview of health outcomes in patients with a NFA, using a conceptual HR-QoL model. A concrete conceptualization of the health outcomes of patients with a NFA can be helpful to understand the observed variety in HR-QoL outcomes and to improve clinical care and guidance of these patients. For this conceptualization, the Wilson and Cleary model was used. This model has a biopsychosocial character and has been validated in several patient populations. In the present review, health outcomes of patients with a NFA were described at each stage of the model e.g. biological and physiological variables, symptom status, functional status, general health perceptions and overall HR-QoL. The Wilson-Cleary model elucidates that elements at each stage of the model can contribute to the impairment in HR-QoL of patients with a NFA, which explains the reported variety in the literature. Furthermore, by applying the model, potential interventions targeting these elements can be identified. While optimal biomedical treatment has always been the focus, it is clearly not sufficient for good HR-QoL in patients with a NFA. Further improvement of HR-QoL should be supported by a pituitary specific care trajectory, including psychosocial care (e.g. self-management training), to beneficially affect characteristics of the patient and the (healthcare) environment, with the utmost goal to optimize HR-QoL in patients after treatment.

Comparison of Complications, Trends, and Costs in Endoscopic vs Microscopic Pituitary Surgery: Analysis From a US Health Claims Database

BACKGROUND

Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are commonly utilized surgical approaches to pituitary pathologies. There are limited data comparing these 2 procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate postoperative complications, associated costs, and national and regional trends of microscopic and endoscopic techniques in the United States employing a nationwide database.

METHODS

The Truven MarketScan database 2010 to 2014 was queried and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified patients that underwent microscopic and/or endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. International Classification of Diseases codes identified postoperative complications. Adjusted logistic regression and matched propensity analysis evaluated independent odds for complications.

RESULTS

Among 5886 cases studied, 54.49% were microscopic and 45.51% endoscopic. The commonest surgical indications were benign pituitary tumors. Annual trends showed increasing utilization of endoscopic techniques vs microscopic procedures. Postoperative complications occurred in 40.04% of cases, including diabetes insipidus (DI; 16.90%), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH; 2.02%), iatrogenic hypopituitarism (1.36%), fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia [5.03%] and hyperosmolality/hypernatraemia [2.48%]), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (CSF rhinorrhoea [4.42%] and other CSF leak [6.52%]). In our propensity-based model, patients that underwent endoscopic surgery were more likely to develop DI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-1.72), SIADH (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.04-2.24), hypoosmolality/hyponatraemia (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.01-1.34), CSF rhinorrhoea (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.88-3.28), other CSF leak (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.28-1.98), altered mental status (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.01-2.60), and postoperative fever (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.14-16.23). There were no differences in hemorrhagic complications, ophthalmological complications, or bacterial meningitis. Postoperative complications resulted in longer hospitalization and increased healthcare costs.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic approaches are increasingly being utilized to manage sellar pathologies relative to microsurgery. Postoperative complications occur in both techniques with higher incidences observed following endoscopic procedures.

The posterior nasoseptal flap: A novel technique for closure after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas

Background:

While effective for the repair of large skull base defects, the Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap increases operative time and can result in a several-week period of postoperative crusting during re-mucosalization of the denuded nasal septum. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma resection is generally not associated with large dural defects and high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks requiring extensive reconstruction. Here, we present the posterior nasoseptal flap as a novel technique for closure of skull defects following endoscopic resection of pituitary adenomas. This flap is raised in all surgeries during the transnasal exposure using septal mucoperiosteum that would otherwise be discarded during the posterior septectomy performed in binostril approaches.

Methods:

We present a retrospective, consecutive case series of 43 patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma followed by posterior nasoseptal flap placement and closure. Main outcome measures were extent of resection and postoperative CSF leak.

Results:

The mean extent of resection was 97.16 ± 1.03%. Radiographic measurement showed flap length to be adequate. While a defect in the diaphragma sellae and CSF leak were identified in 21 patients during surgery, postoperative CSF leak occurred in only one patient.

Conclusions:

The posterior nasoseptal flap provides adequate coverage of the surgical defect and is nearly always successful in preventing postoperative CSF leak following endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas. The flap is raised from mucoperiosteum lining the posterior nasal septum, which is otherwise resected during posterior septectomy. Because the anterior septal cartilage is not denuded, raising such flaps avoids the postoperative morbidity associated with the larger Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap.

Quality of Life before and after Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery as Measured by the Short-Form-36

Objectives/Hypotheses  To assess quality of life (QOL) after transnasal, endoscopic pituitary surgery using the 36-item short form (SF-36) instrument. Design  Retrospective review was used for this study. Setting  The study was conducted in a tertiary academic medical center. Participants  Patients who underwent endoscopic, transnasal, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas between January 1, 2007 and July 1, 2016 and completed preoperative and postoperative SF-36 surveys. Main Outcome Measures  SF-36 survey data as measured by its eight domains (physical functioning, physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain, and general health). Results  There were 18 preoperative, 13 short-term (2 weeks or less after surgery) postoperative, and 14 longer term (>2 weeks after surgery) postoperative surveys. There was no significant difference between preoperative and long-term postoperative SF-36 scores across domains ( p  > 0.05). In comparing short-term postoperative and preoperative scores, tumor size was positively associated with emotional well-being ( p  = 0.049) and general health scores ( p  = 0.031), while visual changes preoperatively were positively associated with general health scores ( p  = 0.046). Compared with standard U.S. general population summary data, these patients scored lower preoperatively in all domains except for emotional role functioning and pain ( p  < 0.05). Postoperatively, patients improved to baseline general population data scores with the exception of the physical role functioning domain ( p  < 0.0001). Conclusion  Patients undergoing endoscopic, transnasal, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas had lower QOL in six of eight domains preoperatively, but improved to baseline values on the long run after surgery in seven of eight domains. This suggests that minimally invasive pituitary surgery has a restorative role in general QOL as measured by the SF-36.

Quality of Life and Work Capacity Are Unrelated to Approach or Complications After Pituitary Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic pituitary surgery has shown favorable clinical outcomes. Less is known about the impact of surgical approaches on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work capacity. The present study was undertaken to compare transsphenoidal microscope-assisted surgery with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery regarding preoperative and surgical factors for the final outcome of HRQoL and work capacity.

METHODS

In a retrospective study of patients operated on for pituitary adenoma, outcome was compared between those operated on before and after transition with endoscopic surgery at our department. Data were gathered via patient questionnaires and patients' files.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 235 patients were included (99 microsurgical and 136 endoscopic). Frequency of complications was similar but tumor size was significantly larger in the endoscopic group. Complications did not affect HRQoL or work capacity. HRQoL was not affected by surgical technique but showed an overall trend toward lower values compared with the general population. Sick leave, return to work frequency, and permanent sick leave were not affected by surgical technique. Female gender was a factor for lower ratings in all outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical technique does not influence HRQoL or work capacity in this long-term follow-up although both are decreased compared with the general population. We conclude that fully endoscopic pituitary surgery, despite including larger tumors, bears the same risk for complications as microsurgery. In addition, females have a greater risk for decrease in HRQoL and work ability. This factor should be taken into account when informing patients and appreciating expectations of treatment.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Suprasellar Lesions in Children: Complications and Prevention

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been popularized in adults and has been applied to an expanding range of surgical modules and indications in this population. However, its clinical application in pediatric neurosurgery has been impeded by the differences in anatomical features and the relatively low incidence of diseases to which it is applicable. In this review article, we mainly discuss the surgical indications, feasibility, and complications of EEA for suprasellar lesions in children based on a review of the literature, focusing especially on the age-related anatomical features of the nasal cavity, various pathologic entities, and the impact of EEA on long-term craniofacial growth.

Periodic olfactory assessment in patients undergoing skull base surgery with preservation of the olfactory strip

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Others have reported olfactory disturbances following endoscopic approaches to the skull base. However, there is a lack of consensus on the extent and duration of dysfunction. This study aimed to compare our results with previously published work and to validate the olfactory strip-sparing approach.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study to assess olfaction in 50 patients scheduled to undergo resection of skull base tumors via extended endoscopic approaches.

METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups. Group I had a nasoseptal flap (NSF), and group II included patients in whom rescue flaps were performed bilaterally. Olfactory outcomes were assessed using repeated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following surgery.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 42 patients (seven group I and 35 group II) were available for assessment. Scores for group I were lower than at baseline at 6 weeks postoperatively (30.71 ± 5.5 vs. 24.5 ± 5.4; P = .05). However, by the third postoperative month the scores had improved to a level that was not significantly different from baseline (29.0 ± 3.7; P = .5). At 6 months, the score was 30.0 ± 3.9. Patients in group II showed no difference between their baseline and 6-week scores (31.5 ± 5.3 vs. 29.7 ± 5.9; P = .16). Six months postoperatively, the score was significantly higher (33.78 ± 3.6; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded endoscopic approaches to skull base tumors involving reconstruction with an NSF are associated with a short-term negative impact on olfaction. Olfaction does not seem to be affected by the surgical resection of pituitary adenomas associated with rescue flaps. Identification of the olfactory epithelium and meticulous harvesting of the NSF are critical to preserve olfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1970-1975, 2017.

Transient Exacerbation of Nasal Symptoms following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors: A Prospective Study

Object  Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the commonest approach to pituitary tumors. One disadvantage of this approach is the development of early postoperative nasal symptoms. Our aim was to clarify the peak onset of these symptoms and their temporal evolution. Methods  The General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was administered to 56 patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors preoperatively and at 1 day, 3 days, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Most patients underwent surgery for pituitary adenomas ( N  = 49; 88%) and through a uninostril approach ( N  = 55; 98%). Total GNPI (0-135) and scores for the 45 individual components were compared. Results  GNPI scores peaked at 1 to 3 days postoperatively, with rapid reduction to baseline by 2 weeks and below baseline by 6 to 12 months postsurgery ( p  < 0.01). Of the 45 individual symptoms on the GNPI scale, 19 (42%) worsened transiently after surgery ( p  < 0.05). Functioning tumors had a higher GNPI scores at postoperative day 1 and 3 than nonfunctioning tumors, although their temporal evolution was the same ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions  Nasal morbidity following endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is common, but transient, more so in the functioning subgroup. Nasal symptoms improve below baseline by 6 to 12 months, without the need for specific long-term postoperative interventions in the vast majority of patients.

Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery in the Treatment of Pituitary Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. This study aimed to assess the benefits and shortcomings of these surgical methods in patients with pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched, as well as proceedings of major meetings. Eligible studies with a retrospective or prospective design that evaluated endoscopic versus microscopic methods in patients with pituitary adenoma were included. Primary outcomes included gross tumor removal, cerebrospinal fluid leak, diabetes insipidus, and other complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 23 studies (4 prospective and 19 retrospective) assessing 2272 patients with pituitary adenoma were included in the final analysis. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was associated with a higher incidence of gross tumor removal (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.08; P = 0.009) than those with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. In addition, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery had no significant effect on the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak, compared with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Furthermore, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was associated with a 22% reduction in risk of diabetes insipidus compared with microscopic transsphenoidal surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery significantly reduced the risk of septal perforation (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.78; P = 0.014) and was not associated with the risk of meningitis, epistaxis, hematoma, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism, total mortality, and recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is associated with higher gross tumor removal and lower incidence of septal perforation in patients with pituitary adenoma. Future large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to verify these findings.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach for skull base surgery: a prospective study

Little is known about the long-term effects of either transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach (TTEA) or expanded endonasal approach (EEA). This study assessed the long-term impact of endoscopic skull base surgery on olfaction, sinonasal symptoms, mucociliary clearance time (MCT), and quality of life (QoL). Patients with pituitary adenomas underwent TTEA (n = 38), while patients with other benign parasellar tumours who underwent an EEA with vascularised septal flap reconstruction (n = 17) were enrolled in this prospective study between 2009 and 2012. Sinonasal symptoms (Visual Analogue Scale), subjective olfactometry (Barcelona Smell Test-24, BAST-24), MCT (saccharin test), and QoL (short form SF-36, rhinosinusitis outcome measure/RSOM) were evaluated before, and 12 months after, surgery. At baseline, sinonasal symptoms, MCT, BAST-24, and QoL were similar between groups. Twelve months after surgery, both TTEA and EEA groups experienced smell impairment compared to baseline. Moreover, EEA (but not TTEA) patients reported increased posterior nasal discharge and longer MCTs compared to baseline. No significant changes in olfactometry or QoL were detected in either group 12 months after surgery. Over the long-term, expanded skull base surgery, using EEA, produced more sinonasal symptoms (including loss of smell) and longer MCTs than pituitary surgery (TTEA). EEA showed no long-term impact on smell test or QoL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IIb.

Vascular Complications of Intercavernous Sinuses during Transsphenoidal Surgery: An Anatomical Analysis Based on Autopsy and Magnetic Resonance Venography

Purpose

Vascular complications induced by intercavernous sinus injury during dural opening in the transsphenoidal surgery may contribute to incomplete tumour resections. Preoperative neuro-imaging is of crucial importance in planning surgical approach. The aim of this study is to correlate the microanatomy of intercavernous sinuses with its contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE-MRV).

Methods

Eighteen human adult cadavers and 24 patients were examined based on autopsy and CE-MRV. Through dissection of the cadavers and CE-MRV, the location, shape, number, diameter and type of intercavernous sinuses were measured and compared.

Results

Different intercavernous sinuses were identified by their location and shape in all the cadavers and CE-MRV. Compared to the cadavers, CE-MRV revealed 37% of the anterior intercavernous sinus, 48% of the inferior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the posterior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the dorsum sellae sinus and 100% of the basilar sinus. The smaller intercavernous sinuses were not seen in the neuro-images. According to the presence of the anterior and inferior intercavernous sinus, four types of the intercavernous sinuses were identified in cadavers and CE-MRV, and the corresponding operative space in the transsphenoidal surgical approach was implemented.

Conclusion

The morphology and classification of the cavernous sinus can be identified by CE-MRV, especially for the larger vessels, which cause bleeding more easily. Therefore, CE-MRV provides a reliable measure for individualized preoperative planning during transsphenoidal surgery.