Fully endoscopic endonasal vs. transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

A long-term retrospective study of 300 patients who underwent fully endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection between November 1998 and October 2004. The patients' records as well as the data obtained from postoperative follow-up visits was used to determine outcomes. Additionally, the data were then compared to mean values calculated from several transseptal-transsphenoidal reports. From a total of 300 pituitary adenomas, 139 (46 %) were hormonally active, while 161 (54 %) were non-functioning. Mean follow-up period was 38.2 months. The average length of hospital stay (LOS) was 1.4 days. All patients had postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to assess residual or recurrent disease; all patients with hormonally active tumors had additional postoperative hormonal studies. Remission, being defined as no hormonal or radiological evidence of recurrence within the time-frame of the follow-up, was demonstrated in 127/134 (95 %) of enclosed and 144/166 (87 %) of invasive adenomas. A comparison of fully endoscopic endonasal vs. transseptal-transsphenoidal remission results revealed an improved outcome using the fully endoscopic endonasal technique: ACTH (86 % vs. 81 %), PRL (89 % vs. 66 %) and GH (85 % vs. 77 %). The remission rate for non-functioning adenomas was 149/161 (93 %). Additionally, we noted a marked reduction in complications related to the endoscopic procedure. Our results conclude that the fully endoscopic endonasal technique is a safe and effective method for removal of pituitary adenomas providing more complete tumor removal and reducing complications.     

3D T2-weighted turbo spin-echo MR sequence for identifying cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery

Background  

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of MR images with 3D T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (3D T2-TSE) sequences for early identification of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.     

Quality of postoperative course in children: endoscopic endonasal surgery versus sublabial microsurgery

Background  

The practice of endoscopic endonasal surgery is still limited in children because of the relative rarity of sellar lesions in the paediatric population. However, such an approach is increasingly reported in the literature as an alternative option to standard sublabial microsurgery, and its surgical results are being analysed. No information on the trend of the postoperative course is currently available. The goal of this paper is to assess the impact of these two different transsphenoidal approaches on the postoperative course.     

Irrigation-suction straw sheath system for a rigid endoscope during endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most problematic conditions during endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery is blurred endoscopic vision caused by blood or bone dust. To address this problem we used a new device, the irrigation-suction straw sheath system originally developed for endoscopic sinus surgery in rhinology, for the endoscopic pituitary surgery. METHODS: The irrigation-suction straw system (K-endosheath; Koken Co., Tokyo, Japan) consists of a flattened disposable straw catheter which can be attached on a rigid endoscope. When the endoscope is inserted into the oblong catheter, two gaps remain on either side of the endoscope. Through each of these gaps irrigation and continuous suction are performed respectively. RESULTS: Clear vision could be immediately obtained by pressing the button to release the irrigation water onto the endoscope's front lens. Even targeted irrigation during drilling was possible. Above all, continuous suction was useful to clear the operative field of blood, smoke, or bone dust, ensuring the safety and uninterrupted progress of the procedure. CONCLUSION: This irrigation-suction system has proved to be very useful and easy to use for endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery. Further development of such new devices and instruments specialized for endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery will promote the increased use of this minimally invasive technique in neurosurgery.     

神经内窥镜下经鼻蝶垂体瘤切除手术的护理配合

目的:探讨神经内窥镜辅助下经鼻蝶垂体瘤切除手术术中护理配合。方法:通过对患者术前心理护理,手术器械的准备,手术间的布局,术中的配合,术后器械的清洗、灭菌及保养等方面对45例神经内窥镜下经鼻蝶入路垂体瘤切除手术进行配合。结果:通过手术及有效的术中配合,37例经蝶垂体瘤在内镜辅助下完全切除,8例次全切除。结论:精心的护理配合、熟练的内镜器械使用和保养是神经内窥镜下经鼻蝶垂体瘤切除手术成功的关键。     

Endoscopic endonasal pituitary and skull base surgery

Here we describe the procedures of endoscopic pituitary and skull base surgery in our institute. We also review the literature to reveal recent advances in this field. Endonasal approach via the sphenoid ostium was carried out for pituitary lesions without the nasal speculum. Postoperative nasal packing was basically not needed in such cases. For meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and giant pituitary adenomas, which required intra-dural procedures, nasal procedures such as middle nasal conchotomy and posterior ethmoidectomy, and skull base techniques such as optic canal decompression and removal of the planum sphenoidale were carried out to gain a wider operative field. Navigation and ultrasonic Doppler ultrasonography were essential. Angled endoscopes allowed more successful removal of tumors under direct visualization extending into the cavernous sinus and lower clivus. If cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred during operation, the dural opening was covered with a vascularized mucoseptal flap obtained from the nasal septum. Lumbar drainage system to prevent postoperative CSF rhinorrhea was frequently not required. Angled suction tips, single-shaft coagulation tools, and slim and longer holding forceps, all of which were newly designed for endoscopic surgery, were essential for smoother procedures. Endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery allows less invasive transsphenoidal surgery since no postoperative nasal packing and less dependence on lumbar drainage are needed. Endoscopic pituitary surgery will be more common and become a standard procedure. Endoscopic skull base surgery has enabled more aggressive removal of extrasellar tumors with the aid of nasal and skull base techniques. Postoperative CSF leakage is now under control due to novel methods which have been proposed to close the dural defect in a water-tight manner. Endoscopic skull base surgery is more highly specialized, so needs special techniques and surgical training. Patient selection is also important, which needs collaboration with ear, nose, and throat specialists. As a safe and successful procedure in skull base surgery, this complex procedure should be carried out only in specialized hospitals, which deal with many patients with skull base lesions.     

单纯神经内镜下经鼻蝶入路垂体瘤切除术

目的 分析单纯神经内镜经鼻蝶入路手术在垂体瘤外科治疗中的应用.方法 回顾2006年12月至2009年12月开展的375例神经内镜垂体瘤手术,其中男性177例,女性198例;年龄12～87岁,平均38.3岁.375例垂体瘤中,无功能性垂体瘤201例,分泌性垂体瘤174例(泌乳素瘤88例,生长激素瘤63例,促皮质激素瘤23例).其中巨大垂体瘤27例(7.2%),侵入海绵窦41例(10.9%).术中结合内镜应用了高场强术中磁共振和神经导航.术后和长期随访中进行视力、内分泌及影像学检查.结果 随访成功295例,其中全切除234例(79.3%),次全切除56例(19.0%),部分切除5例(1.7%).视力改善68例(93.0%,68/73).内分泌改善:泌乳素77.3%(68/88),生长激素84.1%(55/63),促皮质激素78.2%(18/23).手术并发症:无死亡,术后昏迷1例(0.3%),视力一过性下降2例(0.5%),动眼神经或外展神经一过性麻痹7例(2.1%),术后脑脊液鼻漏2例(0.5%),脑膜炎3例(0.8%).结论 内镜为经鼻蝶垂体瘤手术提供了一个全新的手段,手术效果好,安全性高.     

The value of computed tomography in postoperative pneumothorax following open-heart surgery

Two patients with postoperative pneumothorax following open-heart surgery are described. The diagnostic usefulness of computed tomography and chest roentgenogram in this complication is discussed.     

Updates in postoperative imaging modalities following musculoskeletal surgery

Postoperative imaging following orthopaedic surgeries is essential in assessing complications post-surgery and also helps plan further treatment. Combining a high degree of clinical insight with appropriate imaging can guide the treating clinician to the correct diagnosis. Imaging is quite challenging because of surgery-related soft tissue changes, especially in the early postoperative period and the presence of metal implants resulting in image scatter and metal artifacts. Newer modalities and advances in imaging have helped overcome shortcomings and assess better, especially in procedures that involve implants. Collaborative decision-making involving radiologists and clinicians has shown to be beneficial and is the way forward. This narrative review discusses the utility of imaging in evaluating postoperative complications following musculoskeletal surgeries with specific relation to trauma, arthroplasty, and tumour by discussing commonly encountered clinical scenarios.     

Sellar floor reconstruction with nasal turbinate tissue after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: The emerging endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas is safe and effective. An intraoperative sellar floor reconstructive method after this approach is challenging.[nl] OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple method of sellar reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas by nasal turbinate tissue.[nl] MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with defects in the floor of the sella turcica, after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, underwent reconstruction with nasal turbinate tissue. The surgical technique is described.[nl] RESULTS: Patients who underwent this sellar reconstruction did not show postoperative cerebrospinal leak or other complications.[nl] CONCLUSION: Nasal turbinate tissue is an excellent source of donor material for successful reconstruction of the sellar floor. It is costless, safe, soft, malleable and easy to obtain in the same field of surgery with suitable size without inducing side effects or complications.     

Evaluation of early visual recovery in pituitary macroadenomas after endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal surgery: Quantitative assessment with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Background  

Visual field analyses reflect the degree of the compression to the optic nerve that results the structural damage of the nerve. These structural damages can be evaluated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which assesses the structural integrity of white matter tracts. Thus, we evaluated the quantitative assessment of early visual recovery in patients with pituitary macroadenomas, corresponding DTI with visual field analyses.     

Avoidance of postoperative epistaxis and anosmia in endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery: a technical note

Background

Most endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches jeopardize the sphenopalatine artery and septal olfactory strip (SOS), increasing the risk of postoperative anosmia and epistaxis while precluding the ability to raise pedicled nasoseptal flaps (NSF). We describe a bilateral “rescue flap” technique that preserves the mucosa containing the nasal-septal vascular pedicles and the SOS. This approach can reduce the risk of postoperative complications, including epistaxis and anosmia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with preservation of both sphenopalatine vascular pedicles and SOS. In a recent subset of patients, olfactory assessment was performed.

Results

Of 174 consecutive operations performed in 161 patients, bilateral preservation of the sphenopalatine vascular pedicle and SOS was achieved in 139 (80 %) operations, including 31 (22 %) with prior transsphenoidal surgery. Of the remaining 35 operations, 18 had a planned formal NSF and 17 had prior surgery or extensive lesions precluding use of this technique. Of pituitary adenomas, RCCs or sellar arachnoid cysts, 118 (94 %) underwent this approach, including 91 % of patients who had prior surgery. Preoperative olfaction function was maintained in 97 % of patients that were tested. None of the patients had postoperative arterial epistaxis.

Conclusion

Preservation of bilateral sphenopalatine vascular pedicles and the SOS is feasible in over 90 % of patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic surgery for pituitary adenomas and RCCs. This approach, while not hindering exposure or limiting instrument maneuverability, preserves the nasoseptal vasculature for future NSF use if needed and appears to minimize the risks of postoperative arterial epistaxis and anosmia.     

Frontal skull base surgery combined with endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infection remains a serious complication after radical resection of anterior skull base lesions because intracranial, nasal, and paranasal cavities are opened during surgery. To prevent complications from postoperative infection, we combined endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with the frontal transbasal approach in patients with skull base lesions. METHODS: Patients (n = 16) with anterior skull base lesions extending to the paranasal or nasal cavity underwent surgical resection via the frontal transbasal approach. After removal of the lesion via the transcranial approach, enlargement of the ostium or sinusotomy was performed bilaterally using our endonasal ESS procedure. The main purpose of ESS is the establishment of a wide drainage route to avoid dead space and postoperative infection. Furthermore, we confirmed the absence of residual lesion and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), endoscopically. RESULTS: The frontal transbasal approach combined with endonasal ESS was performed in 16 patients with frontal skull base lesions. There were 8 malignant tumors, 6 benign tumors, and 2 mucoceles. Although 11 patients had preoperative active paranasal sinusitis, most frequently at the ethmoid sinus, none experienced postoperative infection. There was no complication related to ESS procedure. Furthermore, leakage of CSF and extracranial residual tumor were not found. CONCLUSION: Endonasal ESS after frontal skull base surgery is a highly useful technique for preventing postoperative infection, especially for the cases with large skull base tumors extending into other regions involving the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity and with active paranasal sinusitis.     

Microscope and endoscopic pituitary surgery

Having just celebrated the centenary of the first transsphenoidal pituitary operation by (Schloffer in Austria in Beitr Klin Chir 50:767–817, 1906), and this year the quarter centenary of the first published report of a therapeutic use of the neuroendoscope (for colloid cysts of the third ventricle) (Powell et al. in Neurosurgery 13:234–237, 1983), it is time to consider the relative merits of microscopic and endoscopic approaches for pituitary surgery. Although transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery has only been utilised by pioneers such as Jho since the mid-1990s (Jho et al., 1996), there is no doubt that it has already gained an important place in the neurosurgical armamentarium, but there is both confusion and propaganda about which method of surgery has most to offer, and indeed whether or not there is any real difference at all.