Usefulness of Intraoperative Computed Tomography on Extent of Resection of Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas. Experience from a Developing Country

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The literature on the use of intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) is sparse. We provide our experience of the usefulness of iCT in extent of resection in large and giant pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of cases using the endonasal endoscopic technique in which iCT was used. Demographic factors, number of scans, and impact on the extent of resection are reported, with visual acuity and field changes. Tumors were graded according to the Hardy classification. Patients with cavernous sinus invasion were excluded.

RESULTS

All patients received a perioperative computed tomography scan with our iCT scanner. Thirty patients are reported, including 14 large and 16 giant pituitary adenomas, including 14 nonfunctional and 16 growth hormone-secreting tumors. The overall gross total resection (GTR), near-total resection, and subtotal resection rates were 83.3%, 16.7%, and 3.3%, respectively. iCT scanning detected residual in 13 of 30 patients, including 4 with 14 large (29%) and 9 with 16 (56.3%) giant adenomas promoting further surgery. iCT use improved GTR from 43.8% to 81.3% in giant adenomas and from 71% to 86% in large adenomas. Of the 13 patients in whom iCT detected residual disease, none required >2 iCT scans. No intraoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

iCT can improve extent of resection in large and giant pituitary adenomas and facilitate maximum safe resection such as GTR or near-total resection in patients where such should be attempted. iCT use may reduce iatrogenic complications and has select financial benefits in our patients' socioeconomic demographics. However, further prospective controlled studies are required to affirm our conclusions.

Past, present, and future of quantified peritoneal dialysis

The role of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a modality in renal replacement therapy has been well established. In this article we review various aspects in the evolution of PD, with special emphasis on adequacy. Until the late 1950s PD was still considered as a last resort in the treatment of terminal uremia. The introduction of a chronic indwelling catheter made chronic PD possible. The concept of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), proposed in 1975, had a major impact on the way PD was performed later. The value of determining the adequacy, using urea clearance normalized to total body water (Kt/V) or creatinine clearance normalized to body surface area, was clearly highlighted by the Canada-USA (CANUSA) study. Introduction of standardized peritoneal equilibration tests has been very helpful in enhancing the efficiency of PD. In 1995 the National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiatives (NKF-DOQI) established guidelines to improve patient survival and outcome on dialysis. These guidelines established minimum criteria for PD adequacy. Compliance and malnutrition remain important factors determining the efficacy of PD. The "healthy start" concept emphasizes an early start of dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The quest for an ideal PD modality has recently led to renewed interest in the idea of continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD). PD continues to grow and at the same time faces many challenges. Its role as a renal replacement therapy is likely to evolve further in the years to come.

Head-upright tilt table testing for children with vasovagal syncope

Vasovagal (neurocardiogenic) syncope is the most common type of syncope in the pediatric population. An extensive and expensive workup is not indicated in patients with a consistent history. By reproducing the effects of gravitational stress, tilt table testing confirms the diagnosis and avoids unnecessary and often unrewarding investigations.

Percutaneous needle biopsy in exudative ascites

Seventy-two patients with exudative ascites were subjected to percutaneous needle biopsy of peritoneum. The overall diagnostic yield was 64%, with the commonest finding being caseous granuloma (39%), followed by metastatic carcinoma (25%). The procedure was safe and easy to perform on the bed side. Peritoneal tissue was obtained in all cases, without any major complications.