Prior smoking and nasoseptal flap usage adversely impact quality of life and healing after endoscopic pituitary surgery

Predictors of Subjective Olfactory Dysfunction and Sinonasal Quality-of-Life After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

BACKGROUND

This is the largest study in North America investigating olfactory outcomes after pituitary surgery to date.

OBJECTIVE

Characterize factors associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction (OD) and worsened sinonasal quality-of-life (QOL) after endoscopic TSA.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary TSA for secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenomas between 2017 and 2021 with pre- and post-operative SNOT-22 scores were included. Subjective OD was determined by the smell/taste dysfunction question on the SNOT-22 (smell-SNOT).

RESULTS

159 patients with pre- and post-operative SNOT-22 scores were included. Average total SNOT-22 scores worsened from pre-operative (16.91 ± 16.91) to POM1 (25.15 ± 20.83, P < .001), with no difference from pre-operative (16.40 ± 15.88) to POM6 (16.27 ± 17.92, P = .936) or pre-operative (13.63 ± 13.54) to POM12 (12.60 ± 16.45, P = .651). Average smell-SNOT scores worsened from pre-operative (0.40 ± 1.27) to POM1 (2.09 ± 2.01, P < .001), and pre-operative (0.46 ± 1.29) to POM6 (1.13 ± 2.45, P = .002), with no difference from pre-operative (0.40 ± 1.07) to POM12 (0.71 ± 1.32, P = .100). Female gender had a 0.9-point (95% CI 0.1 to 1.6) P = .021, increase in smell-SNOT at POM1, resolving by POM6 (0.1 [-0.9 to 1.1], P = .800) and POM12 (0.0 [-1.0 to 0.9], P = .942). Septoplasty with tunnel approach had a 1.1 [0.2 to 2.0] out of 5-point (P = .023) increase in smell-SNOT at POM1, resolving by POM6 (0.2 [-1.1 to 1.6], P = .764) and POM12 (0.4 [-0.9 to 1.6], P = .567). Female gender had a 9.5 (4.0 to 15.1)-point (P = .001) increase in SNOT-22 scores at POM1, resolving by POM6 (3.4 [-3.0 to 9.8], P = .292) and POM12 (6.4 [-5.4 to 18.2], P = .276). Intra-operative CSF leak had an 8.6 [2.1 to 15.1]-point (P = .009) increase in SNOT-22 scores at POM1, resolving by POM6 (5.4 [-1.7 to 12.5], P = .135), and POM12 (1.1 [-12.9 to 15.1], P = .873).

CONCLUSION

Changes in subjective olfaction and sinonasal QOL after TSA may be associated with gender, operative approach, and intra-operative CSF leak, resolving 6-12 months post-operatively.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Tobacco Smoking History as a Risk for Outcomes after Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenoma

Objectives  This study seeks to comprehensively analyze the impact of smoking history on outcomes after endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSH) for pituitary adenoma. Design  This was a retrospective study. Setting  This study was done at the tertiary care center. Participants  Three hundred and ninety-eight adult patients undergoing TSH for a pituitary adenoma. Main Outcome Measures  Clinical and tumor characteristics and operative factors were collected. Patients were categorized as never, former, or active smokers, and the pack-years of smoking history was collected. Years since cessation of smoking was obtained for former smokers. Specific outcomes included postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, length of hospitalization, 30-day return to the operating room, and 30-day readmission. Smoking history details were comprehensively analyzed for association with outcomes. Results  Any history of smoking tobacco was associated with return to the operating room (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-6.76, p  = 0.039), which was for persistent CSF leak in 58.3%. Among patients with postoperative CSF leak, any history of smoking was associated with need for return to the operating room to repair the CSF leak (OR = 5.25, 95% CI: 1.07-25.79, p  = 0.041). Pack-years of smoking was positively associated with a return to the operating room (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, p  = 0.048). In all multivariable models, all negative outcomes were significantly associated with the covariate: occurrence of intraoperative CSF leak. Conclusion  This is the first study to show smoking may have a negative impact on healing of CSF leak repairs after TSH, requiring a return to the operating room. This effect appears to be dose dependent on the smoking history. Secondarily, intraoperative CSF leak as covariate in multivariable models was significantly associated with all negative outcomes.

Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Olfactory Function

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery and endonasal approaches to the skull base on olfaction.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in endonasal endoscopic approaches to the sinuses and skull base allow for direct treatment of a variety of sinonasal and skull base diseases. However, these extended approaches will often require manipulation of normal anatomical structures and the olfactory neuroepithelium. Depending on the planned procedure and extent of disease, the prognosis of olfactory perception can vary significantly among patients. Endoscopic sinonasal surgical procedures may impact olfaction. Optimizing olfactory function requires proper surgical techniques, gentle handling of tissue, and perioperative care. Surgeons must discuss objectives and manage patient expectations. Routine olfactory assessment is crucial in surgical work-up and follow-up. Preserving anatomical structures while addressing the obstruction of the olfactory cleft helps to prevent decreased olfactory threshold. However, smell identification and discrimination do not always correlate with sinonasal anatomy.

Improved nasal recovery and intact olfactory function after a transseptal approach for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy: A retrospective analysis

Objectives

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) is the most frequently performed skull base surgery, and researchers have recently focused on preserving nasal function. The endoscopic transseptal approach is a promising procedure due to its reduced injury to the nasal mucosa; however, there are no studies comparing rhinological and neurosurgical outcomes concurrently with the standard endoscopic transnasal approach. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate whether the transseptal approach could reduce nasal morbidities with comparable neurosurgical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transseptal TSA for pituitary adenoma without encasement of internal carotid artery from January 2019 to December 2020. Another 25 patients who received transnasal approach from January 2017 to December 2018 were selected as controls. Patients with diseases affecting the nasal cavity/olfaction or usage of a nasoseptal flap were excluded for a better comparison of the two procedures. We collected data from radiological studies, endocrine studies, endoscopic evaluations, 22-item sinonasal outcome tests (SNOT-22) and Top International Biotech Smell Identification Test (TIBSIT) for comparison.

Results

Lower postoperative SNOT-22 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were observed in the transseptal group. The effect size of differences were classified as large effect (The absolute value of Cohen's d > 0.8). Nevertheless, the TIBSIT scores were not significantly different. The rates of gross total resection, recovery of hormonal abnormalities, and complications were not significantly different. After controlling possible confounding factors using multivariate analysis, the endoscopic transseptal approach remained an independent factor for lower SNOT-22 scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores.

Conclusions

The endoscopic transseptal approach provides improved recovery of nasal mucosa and intact olfaction without compromising neurosurgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2b.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery: A national database review

BACKGROUND

Pituitary tumors surgery is increasingly performed via endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSP). This study describes outcomes of TSP surgery in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with pituitary adenoma was performed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010-2015.

RESULTS

A total of 5891 patients were identified. The average age was 51.29 ± 0.29 years. The risk of postoperative epistaxis, diabetes insipidus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and other general postoperative complications was 0.71%, 10.20%, 8.35%, and 2.37%, respectively. Independent risk factors of CSF leak included: age <65-year, male, body mass index ≥25, and multiple comorbidities (p < 0.001 each). The prevalence of CSF leak was not associated with hospital TSP volume and teaching status.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a national epidemiological perspective on TSP in the United States. The risk of postoperative CSF leak appears to be associated with intrinsic patient factors rather than resource and expertise availability.

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.

Sinonasal outcomes associated with the use of BioGlue® in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Concerns have been raised in the neurosurgical literature regarding the use of BioGlue®, a tissue sealant initially developed for cardiothoracic surgery, due to reports of an increased incidence of infection, wound breakdown, and CSF fistulae. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of BioGlue® in skull base repair impacts on the sinonasal outcomes and the incidence of post-operative infection following endoscopic pituitary surgery. SNOT-22 questionnaires were completed pre-operatively, and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-operatively by 50 patients. Pre- and post-operative MRI scans were reviewed and assessed for evidence of post-operative sinusitis. Patient records were consulted to ascertain the incidence of post-operative infection. Repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for data analysis. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the mean SNOT-22 scores across the four time intervals (F(1.605, 78.642) = 9.180, p = 0.001). This difference was powered by a deterioration at 6 weeks that recovered completely by 12 weeks. The mean SNOT-22 score in the study cohort at 24 weeks was 16.84/110 (range 0-57, ± 2.04) which was lower than the mean pre-operative score and is consistent with mild rhinosinusitis. There were no cases of post-operative meningitis and 1/50 (2%) case of post-operative sinusitis in this cohort. The use of BioGlue® in endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery does not appear to lead to significant sinonasal morbidity. Previous concerns about the use of BioGlue® in transcranial procedures may not apply to extradural application of this tissue sealant in endoscopic transnasal surgery.

Quality of life after endoscopic skull base surgery with a nasoseptal flap: a systematic review

Background

The past two decades have seen a widespread adoption of endoscopic skull base surgery with the use of nasoseptal flaps. Attention has been diverted in recent times to evaluate the quality of life of these patients.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the available literature to compare the quality of life after endoscopic skull base surgery with or without nasoseptal flaps.

Methods

This systemic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases for literature published after 2009.

Results

The majority of studies concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life associated with the use of nasoseptal flaps. Post-operatively, more extensive surgery, peri-operative radiotherapy, smoking and younger age were associated with poorer quality of life.

Conclusion

While the use of nasoseptal flaps can have negative effects on patients’ quality of life in terms of sinonasal symptoms, this systematic review found no difference in quality of life associated with the use or non-use of a nasoseptal flap.

Systematic Review of Olfactory Outcomes After Nasoseptal Flap Harvest for Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Does Using Cold Steel or Olfactory Strip Preservation Matter?

BACKGROUND

Several studies have described techniques aimed at mitigating olfactory dysfunction after nasoseptal flap (NSF) harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). No consensus exists as to whether popular methods including using cold-steel (CS) versus electrocautery (EC) or septal olfactory strip (SOS) preservation offer an advantage. This systematic review was performed to examine the impact of these two technical variations of NSF harvest on postoperative olfactory outcomes.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles reporting olfactory outcomes in ESBS cases employing a NSF. Original articles focusing on technique variations of the NSF and reporting at least 1 objective olfactory measure were included.

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising 610 patients were included. Various, olfactory testing outcomes were reported, and post-op follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. Three studies, including a randomized-controlled trial, compared the use of CS and EC for the superior incision of the NSF. No significant difference was found in objective olfactory function (p>0.05) when comparing these techniques. Five studies comprising 504 patients reported results from SOS sparing. SOS sparing technique in NSF harvest demonstrated smell preservation in the post-op setting when compared to pre-op measures (p>0.05), however, no direct comparison to non-SOS sparing techniques was made.

CONCLUSION

Use of CS as opposed to EC for the superior NSF incision does not appear to confer an advantage in preserving post-op olfactory function (grade B evidence). SOS preservation may be associated with better olfactory outcomes in NSF harvest (grade C evidence). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.