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BackgroundMicroscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS) is a well-established method to address adenomas of the pituitary gland. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS) has become a viable alternative, however. Advocates suggest that the greater illumination, panoramic visualization, and angled endoscopic views afforded by eTSS may allow for higher rates of gross total tumor resection (GTR). The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the rate of GTR using mTSS and eTSS.MethodsA meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through July 2017 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.ResultsSeventy case series that reported GTR rate in 8257 pituitary adenoma patients were identified. For all pituitary adenomas, eTSS (GTR=74.0%; I2 = 92.1%) was associated with higher GTR as compared to mTSS (GTR=66.4%; I2 = 84.0%) in a fixed-effect model (P-interaction < 0.01). For functioning pituitary adenomas (FPAs) (n = 1170 patients), there was no significant difference in GTR rate between eTSS (GTR=75.8%; I2 = 63.9%) and mTSS (GTR=75.5%; I2 = 79.0%); (P-interaction = 0.92). For nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) (n = 2655 patients), eTSS (GTR=71.0%; I2 = 86.4%) was associated with higher GTR as compared to mTSS (GTR=60.7%; I2 = 87.5%) in a fixed-effect model (P-interaction < 0.01). None of the associations were significant in a random-effect model (all P-interaction > 0.05). No significant publication bias was identified for any of the outcomes.ConclusionAmong patients who were not randomly allocated to either approach, eTSS resulted in a higher rate of GTR as compared to mTSS for all patients and for NFPA patients alone, but only in a fixed-effect model. For FPA, however, eTSS did not seem to offer a significantly higher rate of GTR. These conclusions should be interpreted with caution because of the nature of the included non-comparative studies.

PurposeSurgical workflow analysis seeks to systematically break down operations into hierarchal components. It facilitates education, training, and understanding of surgical variations. There are known educational demands and variations in surgical practice in endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches to pituitary adenomas. Through an iterative consensus process, we generated a surgical workflow reflective of contemporary surgical practice.MethodsA mixed-methods consensus process composed of a literature review and iterative Delphi surveys was carried out within the Pituitary Society. Each round of the survey was repeated until data saturation and > 90% consensus was reached.ResultsThere was a 100% response rate and no attrition across both Delphi rounds. Eighteen international expert panel members participated. An extensive workflow of 4 phases (nasal, sphenoid, sellar and closure) and 40 steps, with associated technical errors and adverse events, were agreed upon by 100% of panel members across rounds. Both core and case-specific or surgeon-specific variations in operative steps were captured.ConclusionsThrough an international expert panel consensus, a workflow for the performance of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection has been generated. This workflow captures a wide range of contemporary operative practice. The agreed “core” steps will serve as a foundation for education, training, assessment and technological development (e.g. models and simulators). The “optional” steps highlight areas of heterogeneity of practice that will benefit from further research (e.g. methods of skull base repair). Further adjustments could be made to increase applicability around the world.

PurposePostoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSFR) remains a frequent complication of endonasal approaches to pituitary and skull base tumours. Watertight skull base reconstruction is important in preventing CSFR. We sought to systematically review the current literature of available skull base repair techniques.MethodsPubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies (2000–2020) that (a) reported on the endonasal resection of pituitary and skull base tumours, (b) focussed on skull base repair techniques and/or postoperative CSFR risk factors, and (c) included CSFR data. Roles, advantages and disadvantages of each repair method were detailed. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where possible.Results193 studies were included. Repair methods were categorised based on function and anatomical level. There was absolute heterogeneity in repair methods used, with no independent studies sharing the same repair protocol. Techniques most commonly used for low CSFR risk cases were fat grafts, fascia lata grafts and synthetic grafts. For cases with higher CSFR risk, multilayer regimes were utilized with vascularized flaps, gasket sealing and lumbar drains. Lumbar drain use for high CSFR risk cases was supported by a randomised study (Oxford CEBM: Grade B recommendation), but otherwise there was limited high-level evidence. Pooled CSFR incidence by approach was 3.7% (CI 3–4.5%) for transsphenoidal, 9% (CI 7.2–11.3%) for expanded endonasal, and 5.3% (CI 3.4–7%) for studies describing both. Further meaningful meta-analyses of repair methods were not performed due to significant repair protocol heterogeneity.ConclusionsModern reconstructive protocols are heterogeneous and there is limited evidence to suggest the optimal repair technique after pituitary and skull base tumour resection. Further studies are needed to guide practice.

Introduction The gold-standard treatment for symptomatic anterior skull base meningiomas is surgical resection. The endoscope-assisted supraorbital “keyhole” approach (eSKA) is a promising technique for surgical resection of olfactory groove (OGM) and tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM) but has yet to be compared with the microscopic transcranial (mTCA) and the expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in the context of existing literature. Methods An updated study-level meta-analysis on surgical outcomes and complications of OGM and TSM operated with the eSKA, mTCA, and EEA was conducted using random-effect models. Results A total of 2285 articles were screened, yielding 96 studies (2191 TSM and 1510 OGM patients). In terms of effectiveness, gross total resection incidence was highest in mTCA (89.6% TSM, 91.1% OGM), followed by eSKA (85.2% TSM, 84.9% OGM) and EEA (83.9% TSM, 82.8% OGM). Additionally, the EEA group had the highest incidence of visual improvement (81.9% TSM, 54.6% OGM), followed by eSKA (65.9% TSM, 52.9% OGM) and mTCA (63.9% TSM, 45.7% OGM). However, in terms of safety, the EEA possessed the highest cerebrospinal fluid leak incidence (9.2% TSM, 14.5% OGM), compared with eSKA (2.1% TSM, 1.6% OGM) and mTCA (1.6% TSM, 6.5% OGM). Finally, mortality and intraoperative arterial injury were 1% or lower across all subgroups. Conclusions In the context of diverse study populations, the eSKA appeared not to be associated with increased adverse outcomes when compared with mTCA and EEA and offered comparable effectiveness. Case-selection is paramount in establishing a role for the eSKA in anterior skull base tumours.

ObjectIn the past decade, the endonasal transsphenoidal approach (eTSA) has become an alternative to the microsurgical transcranial approach (mTCA) for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) and olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate which approach offered the best surgical outcomes.MethodsA systematic review of the literature from 2004 and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled incidence was calculated for gross total resection (GTR), visual improvement, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, intraoperative arterial injury, and mortality, comparing eTSA and mTCA, with p-interaction values.ResultsOf 1684 studies, 64 case series were included in the meta-analysis. Using the fixed-effects model, the GTR rate was significantly higher among mTCA patients for OGM (eTSA: 70.9% vs. mTCA: 88.5%, p-interaction < 0.01), but not significantly higher for TSM (eTSA: 83.0% vs. mTCA: 85.8%, p-interaction = 0.34). Despite considerable heterogeneity, visual improvement was higher for eTSA than mTCA for TSM (p-interaction < 0.01), but not for OGM (p-interaction = 0.33). CSF leak was significantly higher among eTSA patients for both OGM (eTSA: 25.1% vs. mTCA: 10.5%, p-interaction < 0.01) and TSM (eTSA: 19.3%, vs. mTCA: 5.81%, p-interaction < 0.01). Intraoperative arterial injury was higher among eTSA (4.89%) than mTCA patients (1.86%) for TSM (p-interaction = 0.03), but not for OGM resection (p-interaction = 0.10). Mortality was not significantly different between eTSA and mTCA patients for both TSM (p-interaction = 0.14) and OGM resection (p-interaction = 0.88). Random-effect models yielded similar results.ConclusionIn this meta-analysis, eTSA was not shown to be superior to mTCA for resection of both OGMs and TSMs.

BackgroundThe ability to preoperatively predict postoperative complication risks is valuable for individual counseling and (post)operative planning, e.g. to select low-risk patients eligible for short stay surgery or those with higher risks requiring special attention. These risks however, are not well established in pituitary surgery.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of associations between preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery according to the PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed through the QUIPS tool.ResultsIn total 23 articles were included, containing 5491 patients (96% pituitary adenoma). There was a wide variety regarding the nature and number of risk factors, definitions, measurement and statistics employed, and overall quality of mainly retrospective studies was low. Consistent significant associations were older age for complications in general, and intraventricular extension for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Associations identified in some but not all studies were younger age, increased BMI, female gender, and learning curve for CSF leaks; increased tumor size for complications in general; and Rathke’s cleft cysts for diabetes insipidus. Mortality (incidence rate 1%) was not addressed as a risk factor.ConclusionBased on current literature, of low to medium quality, it is not possible to comprehensively quantify risk factors for complications. Nevertheless, older age and intraventricular extension were associated with increased postoperative complications. Future research should aim at prospective data collection, reporting of outcomes, and uniformity of definitions. Only then a proper risk analysis can be performed for endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Investigate the impact of diaphragm sellae competence on surgical outcomes and risk factors for postoperative hypothalamic injury (HI) in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas (ICs). A retrospective analysis of 54 consecutive patients (2016–2023) with ICs treated by ETS was conducted. All tumors originated from the sellar region inferior to the diaphragm sellae and were classified into two subtypes in terms of diaphragm sellae competence: IC with competent diaphragm sellae (IC-CDS) and IC with incompetent diaphragm sellae (IC-IDS). Clinical features, intraoperative findings, and follow-up data were compared between subtypes. Postoperative HI was assessed using an magnetic resonance imaging-based scoring system. Fifty-four patients (29 males, 25 females) were included in this study, with 12 (22.2%) under 18 years old. Overall, 35 cases were IC-CDS, while 19 were IC-IDS. Compared with IC-CDS, patients with IC-IDS tended to have hormone hypofunction before surgery ( p  = 0.03). Tumor volume in IC-IDS group (9.0 ± 8.6 cm 3 ) was also higher than that in IC-CDS group (3.3 ± 3.4 cm 3 , p  = 0.011). Thirty-seven patients underwent standard endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (SEA) and 17 underwent an extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (EEA). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 50 cases (92.6%). Postoperative CSF leak was observed in four patients (7.4%). Permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred in 13 patients (27.7%), six in IC-CDS and seven in IC-IDS. Postoperative HI occurred in 38.9% of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that large tumor size ( p  = 0.014), prior hypopituitarism( p  = 0.048) and IC-IDS ( p  < 0.001) were significantly associated with postoperative HI. Multivariate analysis revealed that IC- IDS was the sole predictor of postoperative HI. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series in the literature to describe IC resected by endoscopic surgery in a single institution. Classification based on diaphragm sellae competence highlights distinct clinical features and surgical outcomes between IC-CDS and IC-IDS subtypes. Notably, IC-IDS is an independent risk factor for postoperative HI. Preoperative identification of subtype can guide surgical strategy and potentially minimize complications.

Preoperative balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging is helpful in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for accurately evaluating the optic chiasm and surrounding structures. While intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) has been shown to improve surgical outcomes, the utility of intraoperative contrast-enhanced bSSFP remains underexplored. This study was performed to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative contrast-enhanced bSSFP compared with T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for visualizing the optic chiasm and to identify factors affecting image quality. This retrospective study included patients who underwent ETSS between March 2015 and March 2020, with both preoperative and intraoperative MRI, including coronal contrast-enhanced bSSFP and T2WI sequences. Two neurosurgeons independently scored optic chiasm visibility using a 4-point scale (0–3). Statistical analyses involved paired comparisons of imaging scores and assessments of factors influencing intraoperative contrast-enhanced bSSFP quality, such as intracranial air and blood in the tumor cavity.Eighteen cases were analyzed. Contrast-enhanced bSSFP scores were significantly higher than T2WI scores for both preoperative imaging (median 3.0, IQR 2.75–3.0 vs. median 2.0, IQR 1.0–2.0; p  = 0.0002) and intraoperative imaging (median 3.0, IQR 2.0–3.0 vs. median 2.0, IQR 1.0–2.0; p  = 0.0002). A decrease in intraoperative contrast-enhanced bSSFP scores was observed in 5 cases and was significantly associated with intracranial air ( p  = 0.047) but not with blood in the tumor cavity ( p  = 0.608). Intraoperative contrast-enhanced bSSFP was superior to T2WI for optic chiasm visualization, consistent with preoperative findings. However, intracranial air significantly degraded the image quality of contrast-enhanced bSSFP.

Background Cushing’s disease (CD) is characterized by hypercortisolism due to excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion from a pituitary adenoma. Though more common in adults, pediatric cases constitute approximately 5% of those seen in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical due to the severe impacts on growth and development in children. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) is the preferred first-line treatment for both children and adults. Methods From 2011 to 2024, 3280 patients with pituitary adenoma underwent surgery using the ETSS technique at Loghman Hospital of Tehran, including 213 CD cases, of which 22 were pediatric (under 18 years old). This retrospective study analyzed clinical data such as age, gender, presenting symptoms, family and medical history, imaging characteristics, surgical findings, pathology, follow-up, and postoperative outcomes. Diagnostic criteria included biochemical tests, MRI imaging, and inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Results Out of 22 pediatric patients, 16 were females and 6 males, with an average age of 14.73 years. Obesity was the initial clinical manifestation in 59% of the patients. According to the Hardy-Wilson classification, 18.2% of patients were stage E, 9.09% stage C, and the rest (excluding MRI-negative patients) stage A. ETSS was performed on all patients, with total hypophysectomy in 18.2% and hemi-hypophysectomy in 9.09%. Postoperative complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 13.63% of patients. Remission was achieved in 95.45% of patients, with a recurrence rate of 4.54%. Hormone imbalances post-surgery included hypocortisolism (50%), hypothyroidism (45.45%), and hypogonadism (13.63%). Conclusion ETSS is an effective and safe treatment for pediatric CD, achieving high remission rates and minimal complications. This study highlights the importance of specialized surgical care in managing pediatric CD and underscores the need for early diagnosis and intervention. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and optimize treatment protocols.

Purpose Prolonged length of stay (PLOS) can lead to resource misallocation and higher complication risks. However, there is no consensus on defining PLOS for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS). Therefore, we investigated the impact of varying PLOS definitions on factors associated with PLOS in patients undergoing ETPS. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with pituitary adenomas who underwent ETPS at our institution from 2012 to 2023. Patients were divided into non-PLOS and PLOS groups based on varying definitions of PLOS: > median, > 4 days, > 75th percentile, and > 90th percentile. Bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and t-tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified significant predictors for each PLOS definition. Results Our cohort ( n  = 808) had a mean age of 54.37 ± 16.06 years, 50.43% male, and a median LOS of 3 days. The 75th and 90th percentiles of LOS were 4 and 6 days, respectively. The way PLOS was defined influenced associated factors identified. Preoperative KPS score, non-private insurance, and non-home discharge disposition were associated with PLOS across all definitions used ( p  < 0.05). Increased preoperative tumor volumes and postoperative hyponatremia were associated with PLOS only when defined by the 75th and 90th percentiles ( p  < 0.05). Non-White race and low income were significantly associated with PLOS > median while intraoperative CSF leak was a significant predictor for PLOS > 90th percentile ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion Our study highlights the variability in predictors of PLOS based on its definition and emphasizes the role of non-clinical factors on LOS.