Endoscopic endonasal versus transcranial surgery for primary resection of craniopharyngiomas based on a new QST classification system: a comparative series of 315 patients

OBJECTIVE An assessment of the transcranial approach (TCA) and the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) according to tumor types has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate both surgical approaches for different types of CPs. METHODS A retrospective review of primary resected CPs was performed. A QST classification system based on tumor origin was used to classify tumors into 3 types as follows: infrasellar/subdiaphragmatic CPs (Q-CPs), subarachnoidal CPs (S-CPs), and pars tuberalis CPs (T-CPs). Within each tumor type, patients were further arranged into two groups: those treated via the TCA and those treated via the EEA. Patient and tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were obtained. All variables were statistically analyzed between surgical groups for each tumor type. RESULTS A total of 315 patients were included in this series, of whom 87 were identified with Q-CPs (49 treated via TCA and 38 via EEA); 56 with S-CPs (36 treated via TCA and 20 via EEA); and 172 with T-CPs (105 treated via TCA and 67 via EEA). Patient and tumor characteristics were equivalent between both surgical groups in each tumor type. The overall gross-total resection rate (90.5% TCA vs 91.2% EEA, p = 0.85) and recurrence rate (8.9% TCA vs 6.4% EEA, p = 0.35) were similar between surgical groups. The EEA group had a greater chance of visual improvement (61.6% vs 35.8%, p = 0.01) and a decreased risk of visual deterioration (1.6% vs 11.0%, p < 0.001). Of the patients with T-CPs, postoperative hypothalamic status was better in the TCA group than in the EEA group (p = 0.016). Postoperative CSF leaks and nasal complication rates occurred more frequently in the EEA group (12.0% vs 0.5%, and 9.6% vs 0.5%; both p < 0.001). For Q-CPs, EEA was associated with an increased gross-total resection rate (97.4% vs 85.7%, p = 0.017), decreased recurrence rate (2.6% vs 12.2%, p = 0.001), and lower new hypopituitarism rate (28.9% vs 57.1%, p = 0.008). The recurrence-free survival in patients with Q-CPs was also significantly different between surgical groups (log-rank test, p = 0.037). The EEA required longer surgical time for T-CPs (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS CPs could be effectively treated by radical surgery with favorable results. Both TCA and EEA have their advantages and limitations when used to manage different types of tumors. Individualized surgical strategies based on tumor growth patterns are mandatory to achieve optimal outcomes.

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Endoscopic approach for giant pituitary adenoma: clinical outcomes of 205 patients and comparison of two proposed classification systems for preoperative prediction of extent of resection

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2021.3.jns204116 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Savas Ceylan ◽

Harun Emre Sen ◽

Bedrettin Ozsoy ◽

Ecem Cemre Ceylan ◽

Anil Ergen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Classification System ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Tumor Characteristics ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Grade 3

OBJECTIVE Giant pituitary adenoma is considered a challenging pathology for surgery owing to its complications and low resection rate. In this study, the authors present their experience of using the endoscopic endonasal approach to treat patients with giant pituitary adenoma, and they aimed to develop a classification system for prediction of extent of resection. METHODS The institutional medical records of patients diagnosed with giant pituitary adenoma who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery between August 1997 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical and clinical outcomes were evaluated in detail. The effects of tumor characteristics on extent of resection were analyzed. The findings were used to develop two classification systems that could preoperatively predict extent of resection. Morphological score was based on tumor characteristics, and landmark-based classification was defined according to surgical zones based on neurovascular landmarks. The effects of change in surgical strategy, which aimed to maximize tumor resection and capsule dissection, on rates of resection and complications were evaluated before and after 2017. RESULTS This study included 205 patients, with a mean patient age of 46.95 years and mean preoperative tumor diameter of 46.56 mm. Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 35.12% of patients, near-total resection (NTR) in 39.51%, and subtotal resection (STR) in 25.36%. Extent of resection differed significantly between the grades and zones of the classification systems (p < 0.001 for both). Among patients with grade 3 tumor, 75.75% of patients achieved STR, 21.21% achieved NTR, and 3.03% achieved GTR. Among patients with zone 3 tumor, 65.75% achieved STR, 32.87% achieved NTR, and 1.36% achieved GTR. Both grade 3 and zone 3 indicated limited extent of resection. The mean (range) follow-up duration was 50.16 (9–247) months. Postoperative recovery of at least one hormone axis was seen in 15.24% of patients with pituitary deficiency, and development of new hormonal deficiency was observed in 22.43% of patients. Complications included permanent diabetes insipidus (7.80%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (3.90%), postoperative apoplexy (3.90%), meningitis (3.41%), and epistaxis (3.41%). The surgical mortality rate was 1.46%. Among 85 patients treated before 2017, 27.05% of patients achieved GTR, 37.64% achieved NTR, and 35.29% achieved STR; among 120 patients treated after 2017, 40.83% achieved GTR, 40.83% achieved NTR, and 18.33% achieved STR. Seven patients in the pre-2017 cohort had postoperative apoplexy versus only 1 patient in the post-2017 cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between the two periods in terms of the incidence rates of other complications. CONCLUSIONS Capsule dissection and GTR are valuable for preventing serious complications and reducing recurrence of giant adenoma. Treatment of giant pituitary adenoma may be better managed with the help of a classification system that provides information about extent of resection that can be achieved with an endoscopic approach.

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Tumor control after surgery for spinal myxopapillary ependymomas: distinct outcomes in adults versus children

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2013.6.spine12927 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 471-476 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

William B. Feldman ◽

Aaron J. Clark ◽

Michael Safaee ◽

Christopher P. Ames ◽

Andrew T. Parsa

Keyword(s):

Recurrence Rate ◽

Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Cauda Equina ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Recurrence Rates ◽

Total Resection ◽

Who Grade

Object Myxopapillary ependymomas (MPEs) are rare WHO Grade I tumors found in the conus medullaris, cauda equina, and filum terminale. Treatment generally consists of resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Evidence-based guidelines for surgical management are lacking due to the rarity of this tumor. Methods An English-language PubMed search was performed using the key words “myxopapillary” and “ependymoma.” Reports describing fewer than 3 patients or those lacking data on the extent of resection or radiotherapy were excluded. A total of 28 articles describing 475 patients met the authors' inclusion criteria. Patients were grouped by extent of resection and whether or not they underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Differences in recurrence rates were assessed by chi-square test. Results The overall recurrence rate was 15.5% in patients treated by gross-total resection (GTR) and 32.6% in patients treated by subtotal resection (STR), irrespective of whether they underwent adjuvant therapy (p < 0.001). Regardless of the extent of resection, adjuvant radiotherapy was not associated with a decrease in recurrence rates. The overall recurrence rate was 15.6% in patients who underwent GTR and radiotherapy compared with 15.9% in patients who underwent GTR alone (p = 0.58), and it was 29.3% in patients who underwent STR and radiotherapy compared with 35.1% in those who underwent STR alone (p = 0.53). The difference between recurrence rates for patients who underwent GTR alone versus STR and radiotherapy was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis demonstrated significantly higher recurrence rates in pediatric patients compared with adults (40.5% vs 23.4%, respectively; p = 0.02). Even in the setting of GTR alone, recurrence rates were higher in pediatric patients (65% vs 7.6%; p < 0.001). Conclusions Gross-total resection alone is associated with decreased recurrence rates compared with STR with or without radiotherapy. The authors' results suggest that treatment goals should include attempted GTR whenever possible. The observation that children benefitted from radiation therapy to a greater extent than did adults suggests that biological differences between tumors in these patient populations warrants more rigorous scientific studies.

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The impact of adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery on atypical meningioma recurrence following aggressive microsurgical resection

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2012.12.jns12414 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 119 (2) ◽

pp. 475-481 ◽

Cited By ~ 72

Author(s):

Douglas A. Hardesty ◽

Andrew B. Wolf ◽

David G. Brachman ◽

Heyoung L. McBride ◽

Emad Youssef ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Tumor Recurrence ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Adjuvant Radiation ◽

Total Resection ◽

Microsurgical Resection ◽

Atypical Meningiomas

Object Patients with atypical meningioma often undergo gross-total resection (GTR) at initial presentation, but the role of adjuvant radiation therapy remains unclear. The increasing prevalence of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the modern neurosurgical era has led to the use of routine postoperative radiation therapy in the absence of evidence-based guidelines. This study sought to define the long-term recurrence rate of atypical meningiomas and identify the value of SRS in affecting outcome. Methods The authors identified 228 patients with microsurgically treated atypical meningiomas who underwent a total of 257 resections at the Barrow Neurological Institute over the last 20 years. Atypical meningiomas were diagnosed according to current WHO criteria. Clinical and radiographic data were collected retrospectively. Results Median clinical and radiographic follow-up was 52 months. Gross-total resection, defined as Simpson Grade I or II resection, was achieved in 149 patients (58%). The median proliferative index was 6.9% (range 0.4%–20.6%). Overall 51 patients (22%) demonstrated tumor recurrence at a median of 20.2 months postoperatively. Seventy-one patients (31%) underwent adjuvant radiation postoperatively, with 32 patients (14%) receiving adjuvant SRS and 39 patients (17%) receiving adjuvant intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The recurrence rate for patients receiving SRS was 25% (8/32) and for IMRT was 18% (7/39), which was not significantly different from the overall group. Gross-total resection was predictive of progression-free survival (PFS; relative risk 0.255, p < 0.0001), but postoperative SRS was not associated with improved PFS in all patients or in only those with subtotal resections. Conclusions Atypical meningiomas are increasingly irradiated, even after complete or near-complete microsurgical resection. This analysis of the largest patient series to date suggests that close observation remains reasonable in the setting of aggressive microsurgical resection. Although postoperative adjuvant SRS did not significantly affect tumor recurrence rates in this experience, a larger cohort study with longer follow-up may reveal a therapeutic benefit in the future.

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Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assisted Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Clival Chordomas

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.733088 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Beste Gulsuna ◽

Burak Karaaslan ◽

Memduh Kaymaz ◽

Hakan Emmez ◽

Emetullah Cindil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Skull Base ◽

Residual Tumor ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Skull Base Chordomas

BackgroundCranial base chordomas are typically indolent and usually appear as encapsulated tumors. They slowly grow by infiltrating the bone, along with the lines of least resistance. Due to its relationship with important neurovascular structures, skull base chordoma surgery is challenging.ObjectiveThe usefulness of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (IO-MRI) in achieving the goal of surgery, is evaluated in this study.MethodsBetween March 2018 and March 2020, 42 patients were operated on for resection of skull base chordomas in our institution. All of them were operated on under IO-MRI. Patients were analyzed retrospectively for identifying common residue locations, complications and early post-operative outcomes.ResultsIn 22 patients (52,4%) gross total resection was achieved according to the final IO-MRI. In 20 patients (47,6%) complete tumor removal was not possible because of extension to the petrous bone (8 patients), pontocerebellar angle (6 patients), prepontine cistern (4 patients), temporobasal (1 patient), cervical axis (1 patient). In 13 patients, the surgery was continued after the first IO-MRI control was performed, which showed a resectable residual tumor. 7 of these patients achieved total resection according to the second IO-MRI, in the other 6 patients all efforts were made to ensure maximal resection of the tumor as much as possible without morbidity. Repeated IO-MRI helped achieve gross total resection in 7 patients (53.8%).ConclusionsOur study proves that the use of IO-MRI is a safe method that provides the opportunity to show the degree of resection in skull base chordomas and to evaluate the volume and location of the residual tumor intraoperatively. Hence IO-MRI can improve the life expectancy of patients because it provides an opportunity for both gross total resection and maximal safe resection in cases where total resection is not possible.

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P.124 Meta-analysis comparing predictors of good postoperative seizure control in children with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors and gangliogliomas

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2016.223 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 43 (S2) ◽

pp. S48-S49

Author(s):

A Ranger ◽

D Diosy

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Tumor Type ◽

Total Resection ◽

Neuroepithelial Tumors ◽

Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors ◽

Not Otherwise Specified ◽

Age At Surgery ◽

Postoperative Seizure

Background: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) and gangliogliomas are the most common cause of tumor-related seizures in children and adolescents. Little is known about predictors of surgical success, in terms of seizure freedom. All relevant papers since 1995 were identified. Methods: Over 4000 abstracts were screened on MedLine to identify data comparing tumor type (DNET vs. ganglioglioma) and predictors of post-operative seizure freedom. Results: Seventeen papers were identified encompassing 97 DNET and 95 ganglioglioma patients. Fifteen patients were found with other neuroglial tumors (NGT) or NGT not-otherwise-specified. DNET patients were found to have less frequent seizures, more likely to have second lobe involvement, and to achieve gross total resection. Seizure freedom was achieved in roughly 80% of patients, with no distinction by tumor type, with no surgery-related or peri-operative deaths. For DNETs, seizure freedom was associated with shorter seizure duration, simple lesionectomy, gross total resection, and shorter duration of follow-up. In ganglioglioma patients, seizure freedom was associated with younger age at surgery, secondary generalization (unexpectedly), absence of dysplasia, and gross total resection. Gross total resection was the strongest predictor. Conclusions: Epilepsy surgery for DNET and ganglioglioma had similar outcomes with gross total resection being the strongest predictor.

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Rare intraspinal clear cell meningioma in children: a case report and literature review

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060520952266 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (10) ◽

pp. 030006052095226

Author(s):

Zheng Hao ◽

Si Hu ◽

Nian-Zu Yu

Keyword(s):

Recurrence Rate ◽

English Language ◽

Clear Cell ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Current Case ◽

Clear Cell Meningioma ◽

Complete Surgical Resection ◽

Significant Difference

Meningioma of the spinal canal is very rare. Clear cell meningioma (CCM) with special histological features occurs more commonly in the spinal cord. A review of the published English-language literature identified 40 reported cases of children with intraspinal CCM and this current report presents an additional case of a 3-year-old child with confirmed lumbar CCM. The current case underwent gross total resection of the CCM. At 9 months after the operation, lumbar magnetic resonance imaging was undertaken and confirmed the absence of tumour recurrence. The child was able to walk normally again. During this period, the child did not receive adjuvant treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An evaluation of the 41 cases demonstrated the following: (i) there was no significant difference between the recurrence rate of females and males; (ii) there was a significant difference in the recurrence rate based on the extent of resection (gross total resection versus partial resection); (iii) the recurrence rate in patients where the number of involved segments ≥3 levels was significantly higher than that in patients where the number of involved segments was 1–2 levels. For children with CCM, complete surgical resection might be an important characteristic for predicting the risk of the recurrence of CCM.

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Endoscopic endonasal resection of skull base meningiomas: the significance of a “cortical cuff” and brain edema compared with careful case selection and surgical experience in predicting morbidity and extent of resection

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2014.7.focus14321 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. E7 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Osaama H. Khan ◽

Vijay K. Anand ◽

Theodore H. Schwartz ◽

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Brain Edema ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Surgical Experience ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal ◽

Case Selection ◽

Skull Base Meningiomas ◽

Group 1

Object This paper describes a consecutive series of skull base meningiomas resected using an endoscopic endonasal approach through various corridors at a single institution over 7 years. The impact of case selection and experience, the presence of a cortical cuff between the tumor and surrounding vessels, and brain edema on morbidity and rates of gross-total resection (GTR) were examined. Methods A retrospective review of a series of 46 skull base meningiomas from a prospective database was conducted. The series of cases were divided by location: olfactory groove (n = 15), tuberculum and planum (n = 20), sellar/cavernous (n = 9) and petroclival (n = 2). Gross-total resection was never intended in the sellar/cavernous tumors, which generally invaded the cavernous sinus. Clinical charts, volumetric imaging, and pathology were reviewed to assess the extent of resection and complications. Cases were divided based on a time point in which surgical technique and case selection improved into Group 1 (surgery prior to June 2008; n = 21) and Group 2 (surgery after June 2008; n = 25) and into those with and without a cortical cuff and with and without brain edema. Results Improved case selection had the greatest impact on extent of resection. For the entire cohort, rates of GTR went from 38% to 76% (p = 0.02), and for cases in which GTR was the intent, the rates went from 63% to 84% (not significant), which was mostly driven by the planum and tuberculum meningiomas, which went from 75% to 91.7 % (nonsignificant difference). The presence of a cortical cuff and brain edema had no impact on outcomes. There were 3 CSF leaks (6.5%) but all were in Group 1. Hence, CSF leak improved from 14.2% to 0% with surgical experience. Lessons learned for optimal case selection are discussed. Conclusions Surgical outcome for endonasal endoscopic resection of skull base meningiomas depends mostly on careful case selection and surgical experience. Imaging criteria such as the presence of a cortical cuff or brain edema are less important.

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Adjuvant radiotherapy versus observation following gross total resection for atypical meningioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Radiation Oncology ◽

10.1186/s13014-021-01759-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Se-Woong Chun ◽

Kyung Min Kim ◽

Min-Sung Kim ◽

Ho Kang ◽

Yun-Sik Dho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Local Recurrence ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽

Local Recurrence Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Atypical Meningioma ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Survival Outcomes ◽

Total Resection ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The impact of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on atypical meningioma (AM) underwent a gross total resection (GTR) remains unclear, showing conflicting results from various studies. The objective of this study was to perform an updated meta-analysis for observational studies to determine the effect of adjuvant RT after GTR on local recurrence and survival outcomes compared to observation after GTR. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify comparative studies that reported outcomes of adjuvant RT versus observation for AM patients after GTR. Local recurrence rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities related to RT were considered as outcomes of interest. Differences between two cohorts were estimated by calculating odds ratios (OR) for LR rate and hazard ratios (HR) for survival outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for meta-analysis, using R version 4.0.3 software. Included studies were appraised with the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-Randomized Studies. Outcome ratios were combined with the Mantel–Haenszel method and the inverse variance-weighted method, appropriately. Results Data from 30 studies involving 2904 patients (adjuvant RT: n = 737; observation: n = 2167) were eventually included. Significant reduction of local recurrence rate was seen in the adjuvant RT cohort compare to that in the observation cohort (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.36–0.68; p < 0.0001). Pooled HRs of PFS at 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and > 5-year revealed that adjuvant RT was superior to observation. There was no significant difference in OS between the two cohorts during any period. Most toxicities were tolerable with grade 1 or 2. There was no documented grade 5 toxicity. Conclusions For AM patients who underwent GTR, evidence suggested that adjuvant RT could potentially decrease local recurrence and improve PFS better than observation.

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Endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma surgery: our surgical experience in 116 patients

International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20204626 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (11) ◽

pp. 2029

Author(s):

Krishna Vikas Potdukhe ◽

Kalpesh Patel ◽

Rajesh Vishwakarma

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Visual Outcome ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Partial Resection ◽

High Rate ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Imaging Data ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal

Background: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of excision in terms of gross and partial resection rates compared to the grades of pituitary adenoma (based on Hardy-Vezina classification). We also evaluated the post-operative complications and the effect of resection on visual outcomes and endocrinological remission.Methods: We retrospectively analysed 116 patients who underwent surgical resection of pituitary adenoma via endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach at Civil Hospital (Ahmedabad) between March 2013 and March 2019 and collected pre-operative and post-operative data in terms of imaging, endocrine function and vision. Results: According to the postoperative imaging data and endocrine examination results, gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 79.3% (92 patients), and partial (PR) in 20.6% (24 patients) which was significant (p<0.05). Improvement in vision was seen in 62% (40 patients out of 64 patients). Out of 44 patients having endocrine dysfunction, endocrinological remission was achieved in 32 patients with functional adenomas (72.7%). Sinusitis followed by headache was the most common minor complication seen in the study.Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is a valuable treatment option for patients having grade 3 or lower pituitary adenomas, which leads to gross total resection in comparison to patients having grade 4 adenoma. It also results in high rate of surgical decompression and better visual outcome. Partial resection may result in endocrinological response in functional tumors.

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Ultrasound Doppler examination in the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas with cavernous sinus extension

Ukrainian Neurosurgical Journal ◽

10.25305/unj.222868 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 29-33

Author(s):

Ruslan V. Aksyonov ◽

Orest I. Palamar ◽

Andrii P. Huk ◽

Dmytro I. Okonskyi ◽

Dmytro S. Teslenko

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Carotid Artery ◽

Internal Carotid Artery ◽

Doppler Ultrasound ◽

Cavernous Sinus ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Internal Carotid ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Endonasal

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of intraoperative Doppler ultrasound in the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas with invasive parasellar growth into the cavernous sinus Knosp 3 and Knosp 4. Material and Methods. During 2009–2017, 71 patients with pituitary adenomas (PA) with extension into the cavernous sinus Knosp 3 and Knosp 4 were retrospectively reviewed. According to the size PA were divided into pituitary macroadenomas, (from 10 to 40 mm) in 45 (63.4%) patients, and giant PA (over 40 mm) – in 26 (36.6%) patients. Cavernous sinus invasion Knosp 3 and 4 was identified in 47 (66.2%) and 24 (33.8%) patients respectively. Non-secreting PA - 43 (60.5%) patients and hormone-secreting PA - 28 patients (39.4%). Endoscopic endonasal trassphenoidal (EET) approach was used in all cases. Laterally expanded EET (LEEET) approach was used in 29 cases. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound (IDUS) was used in 36 (51%) cases. Results. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound was used in cases of Knosp 3 extension in 23 (32.4%) cases and in Knosp 4 - in 13 (18.3%) cases. Gross total resection, including extension into the cavernous sinus using IDUS was achieved in 22 (62.7%) patients. In cases where IDUS was not used, gross total resection was achieved in 19 (52.7%) cases. In cases where the IDUS was not used, recurrence rate was 7.3%, with IDUS - 5%. Biochemical remission was achieved in 22 (78.6%) cases. Liquorrhea nasalis after surgery was observed in 6 (8.4%) cases, meningoencephalitis - in 1 (1.4%) case, oculomotor palsy -3 (4.2%) cases. Conclusions. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound is an informative method that provides safe resection of pituitary adenomas with cavernous sinus extension with a low level of possible postoperative complications. Parasellar extension of Pituitary adenomas into the cavernous sinus Knosp 4 significantly reduces the possibility of gross total resection. However, the use of intraoperative ultrasound makes it possible to determine safe boundaries for manipulation both medially and laterally from the internal carotid artery, increasing the level of radicality and the duration of clinical remission. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary adenomas with parasellar extension allows to identify the internal carotid artery in the tumor stroma with the existing changed skull base anatomy. Dura incision under intraoperative Doppler ultrasound reduces the risk of internal carotid artery injury.

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