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Background Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used in pituitary surgery, but evidence supporting their use is lacking, which has implications for antibiotic stewardship. Objective To evaluate whether receipt of postoperative oral antibiotics results in superior sinonasal quality of life (QOL) compared with placebo among patients who undergo endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Methods Patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or cefdinir (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in patients intolerant to cefdinir) for 7 d after surgery. They were monitored for 12 wk. The primary outcome measure was sinonasal QOL at 2 wk on the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Supplementary end points included sinonasal QOL reported on the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 and objective endoscopy scores to assess nasal healing according to the Lund-Kennedy method. Results A total of 461 patients were screened, 131 were randomized, and 113 (placebo arm: 55; antibiotic arm: 58) were analyzed. There was no clinically meaningful or statistically significant difference in sinonasal QOL at any measured time point (P ≥ .24) using either instrument. Nasal cavity endoscopy scores were not significantly different at 1 to 2 wk after surgery (P = .25) or at 3 to 4 wk after surgery (P = .08). Conclusion Postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics did not result in superior sinonasal QOL compared with placebo among patients who underwent standard endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Background Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline have been found to be an effective treatment for hyperprolactinemia, not only inducing adenoma shrinkage but also lowering serum prolactin levels. Among known dopamine agonists, cabergoline is the drug of choice due to its enhanced tolerability compared with bromocriptine. This study aimed to evaluate cabergoline's effectiveness, along with transsphenoidal surgery, in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Methods We retrieved all patients with a diagnosis of prolactinoma who were treated in our hospital during 2000-2018. A total of 208 patients were enrolled in the analysis after applying exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into four groups according to the treatments received. The demographic data, dosage and duration of cabergoline, and serum prolactin levels at different time points were collected for analysis. Results Normalization was achieved in 59 patients (83.10%) within a short median duration of 2.80 months among those treated with cabergoline only. Although cabergoline alone was effective and well-tolerated, our data showed that long-term remission rates were more favorable when surgery was involved. The long-term remission rate of all patients enrolled was 53.8% (112 patients among 208 patients). The long-term remission rates for the different treatment groups were 17.8% (8 of 45 patients) in Group 1 (Operation→Drug), 83.3% (5 of 6 patients) in Group 2 (Drug→Operation), 79.0% (68 of 86 patients) in Group 3 (Operation only), and 43.7% (31 of 71 patients) in Group 4 (Drug only). Conclusion Cabergoline has been demonstrated to be effective and should be considered as a first-line treatment for hyperprolactinemia. In our study, transsphenoidal surgery was also demonstrated to achieve good results compared with medical treatment. Surgical intervention may resurface as an alternative first-line treatment. When used in combination with cabergoline, surgery offers a higher disease remission rate than either drug or operation alone.

Background Delayed hyponatremia is a common complication following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) of pituitary lesions, which leads to significant patient morbidity, as well as increased hospital costs associated with readmission. Objective To report the effects of fluid restriction, during a postoperative period of 4 d, to decrease rates and readmissions for hyponatremia in a cohort of patients undergoing TSS. Methods Because of our observed postoperative rates of hyponatremia, we implemented 1000-mL fluid restriction limited to postoperative days (POD) 4 to 8 in consecutive patients undergoing surgery at our center between March 2018 and January 2019. Patients were monitored for the development of hyponatremia and readmissions. We compared outcomes with those of patients who had undergone TSS prior to fluid restriction. Results Data from 57 patients who underwent TSS following implementation of fluid restriction were compared to prior patients who underwent TSS without restriction. The rate of hyponatremia in patients (n = 57) prior to fluid restriction was 12.3%. Following implementation of fluid restriction, we had zero cases of hyponatremia or readmissions. We found body mass index to be inversely related to the risk of hyponatremia and readmissions. Furthermore, male gender, follicle stimulating hormone and/or luteinizing hormone staining on pathology, and administration of preoperative and intraoperative glucocorticoids were associated with decreased risk of hyponatremia readmissions. Conclusion The implementation of 1000-mL fluid restriction between POD 4 and 8 is a highly successful and simple approach to decrease the risk of delayed hyponatremia after TSS.

Objective Until today, it is unclear if endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the most adequate treatment technique for pituitary adenoma, while microscopic transsphenoidal surgery is termed as a fully-established mechanism that has reasonable performances and is well recognized for addressing adenomas of the pituitary gland. The present research work aims at assessing the short-term results of these surgical methodologies in those patients, who have pituitary adenoma. Methods The authors comprehensively searched PubMed, together with EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for the purpose of identifying associated investigations. The strength of the relationship was figured out through the calculation of the risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% credible interval (95% CI) were put to use for the evaluation of the association. Results An aggregate of 17 retrospective studies that involved 1177 participants were included in the present research work. Our results shed light on the fact that endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was linked to the lower occurrence of diabetes insipidus (RR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.03-1.98, P = 0.03), fewer septal perforation (RR = 3.16, 95%CI = 1.27-7.85, P = 0.01), and fewer postoperative complications (RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.56, P = 0.006). Moreover, further analyzing indicated no substantial differences existing between the 2 surgical methods in gross tumor removal, meningitis, epistaxis, and cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery reduces diabetes insipidus, septal perforation, and postoperative complications in treating those patients, who have pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is worth suggesting as a productive as well as secure process for the treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Background Transspheniodal surgery (TSS) for Cushing disease (CD) is considered the first-line treatment; however, reported recurrence rates are high. Objective To systemically review indications and outcomes for repeat TSS in recurrent CD. Methods Retrospective review of patients undergoing TSS from 2008 to 2018 was performed. Patients undergoing repeat TSS for clinical and/or biochemically recurrent CD with follow-up at least 12 mo postoperatively were included. These data were analyzed in our "current cohort" and combined with our previously published data in a "combined cohort." Results The current cohort of patients undergoing operations from 2008 to 2018 with repeat surgery following a prior operation included 15 patients. Pathology at the time of first operation was positive for adrenocortiotrophic hormone (ACTH) adenoma in 13/15 (86.7%) and 9/15 (60%) had evidence of recurrence after a previous surgical procedure on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Remission was achieved immediately postoperatively in 13/15 (86.7%). Over an average follow-up of 34.7 mo (range: 12-116), 11/15 (68.8%) achieved persistent remission. When combined with the historical cohort that underwent an operation during 1992-2006, 44/51 (86.3%) patients had a prior operation demonstrating ACTH adenoma and 35/51 (68.6%) had evidence of recurrent disease on preoperative MRI. Thirty-five (68.6%) patients went into remission immediately postoperatively. Thirty one (60.8%) had continued remission at most recent reported follow-up. Conclusion Recurrent CD can be a therapeutic challenge; however, these data demonstrate that in many patients repeat surgery can be an effective and safe next step prior to radiation or medical therapy.

BACKGROUND Patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing disease (CD) after prior transsphenoidal surgery require further treatment to reduce the disease's metabolic consequences. OBJECTIVE To assess patient outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for persistent or recurrent CD from adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas and propose a management algorithm. METHODS Retrospective review of 38 patients without prior radiation treatment having SRS for ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas from 1990 to 2015. Favorable outcome was defined as biochemical remission and tumor growth control. Patients were evaluated separately if they underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (Adx). RESULTS Twenty patients (53%) were treated with Adx and SRS (median margin dose, 25 Gy) and 18 patients (47%) received SRS alone (median margin dose, 22.5 Gy). Median follow-up after SRS was 76 mo. Of patients undergoing Adx, 18/20 (90%) had a favorable outcome. Two patients (10%) had tumor growth requiring additional treatment. A favorable outcome was achieved in 13/18 patients (72%) having SRS alone (median, 14 mo; interquartile range, 8-23). Five patients (28%) required additional treatment due to persistent hypercortisolemia (n = 4) or hypercortisolemia and tumor growth (n = 1). Favorable outcomes were more frequent in the Adx and SRS group at 1 yr (100% vs 33%; P

BACKGROUND The influence of the surgeon's preoperative goal regarding the extent of tumor resection on patient outcomes has not been carefully studied among patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between surgical tumor removal goal and patient outcomes in a prospective multicenter study. METHODS Centrally adjudicated extent of tumor resection (gross total resection [GTR] and subtotal resection [STR]) data were analyzed using standard univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS GTR was accomplished in 148 of 171 (86.5%) patients with planned GTR and 32 of 50 (64.0%) patients with planned STR (P = .001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of GTR goal were 82.2, 43.9, 86.5, and 36.0%, respectively. Knosp grade 0-2, first surgery, and being an experienced surgeon were associated with surgeons choosing GTR as the goal (P

Complete tumor removal by transsphenoidal surgery is usually difficult for large nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). A validated medical treatment may be useful for their management. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the dopaminergic agonist cabergoline for residual NFPA.We conducted a randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial that compared cabergoline with nonintervention in patients with residual NFPA after transsphenoidal surgery over 2 years. The primary outcome was clinical efficacy (tumor reduction). The secondary outcome was the relationship between tumor dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) expression and clinical responsiveness. Tumor measurements and clinical evaluations were performed every 6 months.In total, 59 and 57 individuals were randomly assigned to the study and control groups, respectively. At the end of the study, residual tumor shrinkage, stabilization, and enlargement were observed in 28.8%, 66.1%, and 5.1% of patients, respectively, in the medical-therapy group and in 10.5%, 73.7%, and 15.8% of patients, respectively, in the control group (P=0.01). The progression-free survival rate was 23.2 and 20.8 months for the study and control groups, respectively (P=0.01). D2R was not associated with cabergoline responsiveness. No major side effects were related to cabergoline use.Cabergoline was an effective drug for treating residual NFPA, and its use was associated with a high rate of tumor shrinkage (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03271918).

Background During transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for a pituitary adenoma with a large suprasellar extension, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage commonly develops from a defect in the arachnoid recess or the arachnoid membrane. Objective To evaluate the usefulness of a newly developed clipping technique for the repair of intraoperative CSF leakage. Methods Between September 2012 and November 2016, 698 patients with pituitary adenoma were operated on with TSS. Intraoperative CSF leakage was encountered in 301 patients (43.1%). The clipping technique was used to repair CSF leakage in 144 patients: from the arachnoid recess in 100 patients and from the arachnoid membrane in 44 patients. The clipping technique used titanium clips and a newly designed clip applier. We evaluated anterior pituitary function of the patients whose CSF leakage was closed by clipping, and compared this with function in another patient group treated with different repair techniques. Results We successfully applied clip technique in 140 out of 144 patients. This clipping technique was faster and easier for repairing CSF leakage than our previously published suture technique. In our early series, 4 patients developed unexpected CSF rhinorrhea after TSS. We found no difference in anterior pituitary function between a clipping group and others. Although titanium clip was identified on postoperative MRI, its metallic scattered artifact was very minimal and did not hinder the detection of possible remnant and recurrent tumors. Conclusion This clipping technique is a very simple and reliable method for repairing intraoperative CSF leakage when properly applied with caution.

BACKGROUND Perioperative steroid protocols for patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary pathology vary by institution. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety of withholding glucocorticoids in patients undergoing TSS. METHODS Patients with an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoing TSS for a pituitary tumor at the same academic institution between 2012 and 2015 were randomized to either receive 100 mg of intravenous hydrocortisone followed by 0.5 mg of intravenous dexamethasone every 6 h for 4 doses (STER, n = 23) or to undergo surgery without steroids (NOSTER, n = 20). Postoperative cortisol levels were then used to determine the need for glucocorticoids after surgery. Data regarding postoperative cortisol levels, hospital stay length, and complications were collected. RESULTS Mean postoperative 8 am cortisol levels were higher in the NOSTER group compared to the STER group (745 ± 359 nmol/L and 386 ± 193 nmol/L, respectively, P = .001) and more patients were discharged on glucocorticoids in the STER group (42% vs 12%, P = .07). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, including hyperglycemia, diabetes insipidus, or permanent adrenal insufficiency. Permanent adrenal insufficiency occurred in 8% of patients. CONCLUSION Perioperative steroids can be safely withheld in patients with an intact HPA axis undergoing TSS. Although administration of perioperative glucocorticoids does not appear to increase the risk of complications, it may interfere with assessment of the HPA axis after surgery.

Background Current standard treatment of microprolactinomas is dopamine agonist therapy. As this drug treatment is lifelong in up to 80% of cases, many patients consult pituitary surgeons regarding a surgical alternative. Objective To identify prognostic criteria for surgical remission, we reviewed outcomes of our series of microprolactinomas treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, with a special emphasis on magnetic resonance adenoma delineation and position. Methods Our study cohort comprises a single center series of 60 patients operated for histopathologically verified magnetic resonance imaging unequivocally identifiable endosellar microprolactinoma between 2003 and 2017. In 31 patients the adenoma was enclosed by pituitary gland (group ENC), in 29 patients the adenoma was located lateral to the gland adherent to the medial cavernous sinus wall (group LAT). Results After a mean follow-up of 37 mo (range 4-143 mo), remission rate was significantly higher in adenomas enclosed by pituitary gland (group ENC) than adenomas located lateral to the gland (group LAT), with 87% vs 45%, P = .01. Intraoperatively, 4 patients showed signs of invasiveness. Preoperative prolactin levels did not differ between the groups (mean 155 and 187 ng/ml in group ENC and LAT, respectively).A binary logistic regression model revealed that only the radiological criteria applied showed a significant correlation (P = .003) with endocrine remission. Conclusion According to our results, remission rate is significantly higher in microprolactinomas enclosed by the pituitary gland. However, the decision for surgery should take into account surgeons experience and possibility of complications.

Optic pathway hypothalamic gliomas are intrinsic low-grade gliomas involving the optic nerve, chiasm, optic tract, and hypothalamus. The rarity of these tumors and their unpredictable course make assessment and standardization of treatment modalities difficult. Tumor debulking via various transcranial approaches was considered to be effective at controlling tumor growth, but with high rates of severe surgery-related complications. In the present case, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was initiated to debulk the exophytic chiasmatic/hypothalamic glioma with good preservation of hypothalamic and endocrine functions. The authors suggest transsphenoidal surgery with tumor debulking could be an effective and safe treatment for patients with chiasmatic/hypothalamic gliomas.

Background Young age has been reported as a negative prognostic factor for pituitary adenomas (PAs). They are very uncommon in children and adolescents; therefore, surgical outcomes are poorly described. Objective To report results of microsurgical transsphenoidal approach (MTSA) in pediatric PAs. Methods The study retrospectively analyzed 3040 PAs treated in our institute, according to the adenoma subtype and then divided into pediatric (≤18 yr) and adult groups (>18 yr). The average follow-up after surgery was 58 mo (n = 2906). Results In the pediatric group, the majority of adenomas were hormone-secreting (89.5%) with a female sex prevalence (78%) in prolactinomas and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs); the maximum diameter of growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas was greater (28.1 ± 4.1 mm) than in adults (18 ± 0.3 mm, P = .002). Surgical remission rate at 6 mo was similar in both groups for all adenoma subtypes: 72.1% and 76% in pediatric and adult Cushing's disease, 69.3% and 59.3% in prolactinomas, 55.6% and 61% in gigantism or acromegaly, 55.6% and 61.5% in NFPAs. Recurrences after remission occurred more frequently in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas compared to adults (40.0% vs 5.3%, P = .028) despite similar follow-up (38 ± 17 and 48.1 ± 2.2 mo, P = .7). Mortality was zero in the pediatric and 0.2% in the adult group (P = .7); major morbidity was 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively (P = .8). Conclusion MTSA was safe and effective in children and adolescents as in adults, with the only exception of higher recurrence rate in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas. No complications related to young age appeared.

Background Endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) remains the preferred treatment for recurrent or residual nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). However, surgical complications and outcomes with repeat ETSS are unclear. Objective To compare outcomes from primary and repeat ETSS in patients with NFPAs. Methods Retrospective review of ETSS for NFPAs at USC University Hospital and LAC + USC Medical Center between 2000 and 2015. Patients with ≥3-mo follow-up data were included. Patients were categorized as primary or repeat ETSS. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared preoperatively, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results Two hundred sixty-eight patients (89%) met the inclusion criteria (primary ETSS = 211 and repeat ETSS = 57) with a mean follow-up time of 38 mo (range 3-235 mo). Both groups had similar demographics, endocrine function, and tumor characteristics. Surgical complication rates were similar and no mortalities were observed. Repeat ETSS patients had a higher rate of new postoperative panhypopituitarism (primary ETSS: 0.5% vs repeat ETSS: 7.1%, P = .011), lower rates of gross total resection (GTR; primary ETSS: 59.2% vs repeat ETSS: 26.3%, P = .001), and greater rates of postoperative radiosurgery (36.8% vs 24.2%, P = .009). At 2-yr follow-up, progression-free survival on MRI was similar in both groups (primary ETSS: 97.9% vs repeat ETSS: 95.4%, log-rank test P = .807). Conclusion At experienced tertiary pituitary centers, repeat ETSS for NFPAs was associated with a similar incidence of surgical complications as primary ETSS. However, repeat ETSS carried a higher rate for worsening endocrine dysfunction and a lower rate of GTR.

Background To investigate the effect of rhinosinusitis in patients who undergo surgery via the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA). Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery via the EETSA between February 2009 and November 2016. In total, 505 patients were included in the study. Preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography, sellar magnetic resonance imaging, and nasal endoscopy were performed for all the patients. Results Fifteen patients without sphenoid sinusitis underwent surgery with the concomitant transsphenoidal approach and functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and showed no central nervous system (CNS) complication. During surgery via the EETSA, the presence of rhinosinusitis did not significantly affect the incidence of postoperative CNS infection (P = 0.051), except for sphenoid sinusitis (P = 0.003). Conversely, the incidence of postoperative CNS infection was not related significantly to the Lund-Mackay score or tumor size. The risk of CNS infection was 12.151-fold higher in patients with sphenoid sinusitis (95% confidence interval, 3.153-46.827; P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Surgery via the EETSA and functional endoscopic sinus surgery can be safely performed together in most patients with rhinosinusitis. However, sphenoid sinus infection appears to be a predisposing factor for postoperative CNS infection. Therefore, a separate surgical procedure for sphenoid lesions should be considered in these patients before the use of the EETSA.

BACKGROUND Compressive optic neuropathy is the most common indication for transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a useful visual assessment tool for predicting postoperative visual field recovery. OBJECTIVE To analyze visual parameters and their association based on long-term follow-up. METHODS Only pituitary adenoma patients with abnormal visual field defects were selected. A total of 188 eyes from 113 patients assessed by visual field index (VFI) and 262 eyes from 155 patients assessed by mean deviation (MD) were enrolled in this study. Postoperative VFI, MD, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were evaluated and followed up. After classifying the patients into normal (>5%) and thin (

BACKGROUND Variations on the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach present unique surgical techniques that have unique effects on surgical outcomes, extent of resection (EOR), and anatomical complications. OBJECTIVE To analyze the learning curve and perioperative outcomes of the 3-hand endoscopic endonasal mononostril transsphenoidal technique. METHODS Prospective case series and retrospective data analysis of patients who were treated with the 3-hand transsphenoidal technique between January 2007 and May 2015 by a single neurosurgeon. Patient characteristics, preoperative presentation, tumor characteristics, operative times, learning curve, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Volumetric EOR was evaluated, and a logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of EOR. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-five patients underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using the 3-hand technique. One hundred eighteen patients in the early group had surgery between 2007 and 2010, while 157 patients in the late group had surgery between 2011 and 2015. Operative time was significantly shorter in the late group (161.6 min) compared to the early group (211.3 min, P = .001). Both cohorts had similar EOR (early group 84.6% vs late group 85.5%, P = .846) and postoperative outcomes. The learning curve showed that it took 54 cases to achieve operative proficiency with the 3-handed technique. Multivariate modeling suggested that prior resections and preoperative tumor size are important predictors for EOR. CONCLUSION We describe a 3-hand, mononostril endoscopic transsphenoidal technique performed by a single neurosurgeon that has minimal anatomic distortion and postoperative complications. During the learning curve of this technique, operative time can significantly decrease, while EOR, postoperative outcomes, and complications are not jeopardized.

BACKGROUND Long-term remission rates from endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly and their relationship to prognostic indicators of disease aggressiveness are not well documented. OBJECTIVE To investigate long-term remission rates in patients with acromegaly after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and correlate this with molecular and radiographic markers of disease aggressiveness. METHODS We identified all patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly from 2005 to 2013 at Cedars-Sinai Pituitary Center. Hormonal remission was established by normal insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, basal serum growth hormone

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of Cushing disease is based on endocrinological pa-rameters, with no single test being specific. In some patients, dynamic thin-slice sellar magnetic resonance imaging fails to detect a pituitary tumor. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of ectopic pituitary adenoma in this situation. METHODS In a retrospective chart review, 5 patients (6%) with ectopic adenomas were identified in 83 consecutive patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas by 1 surgeon. RESULTS In all 5 patients (all female, 32-41 years of age), an exclusively extrasellar ACTH-secreting adenoma was excised. Three adenomas were located in the cavernous sinus, 1 in the sphenoid sinus, and 1 in the ethmoidal cells. Histologically, none of the tumors showed signs of aggressiveness. Three of the 5 adenomas specifically expressed somatostatin receptor 5. In 4 patients with Cushing disease, postoperative remission was obtained, with 1 recurrence after 14 months. In the patient with Nelson syndrome, ACTH decreased from >800 to

BACKGROUND Carney complex (CNC) is a familial neoplasia syndrome that is associated with pituitary-associated hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) (acromegaly). The underlying cause of pituitary GH hypersecretion and its management have been incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE To provide biological insight into CNC-associated pituitary pathology and improve management, we analyzed findings in CNC patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS Consecutive CNC patients at the National Institutes of Health with acromegaly and imaging evidence of a pituitary adenoma(s) who underwent transsphenoidal resection of tumor(s) were included. Prospectively acquired magnetic resonance imaging and biochemical, surgical, and histological data were analyzed. RESULTS Seven acromegalic CNC patients (2 male, 5 female) were included. The mean age at surgery was 29.7 years (range, 18-44 years). The mean follow-up was 4.7 years (range, 0.2-129 months). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a single pituitary adenoma in 4 patients and multiple pituitary adenomas in 3 patients. Whereas patients with single discrete pituitary adenomas underwent selective adenomectomy, patients with multiple adenomas underwent selective adenomectomy of multiple tumors, as well as partial or total hypophysectomy. All adenomas were either GH and prolactin positive or exclusively prolactin positive. Pituitary tissue surrounding the adenomas in patients with multiple adenomas revealed hyperplastic GH- and prolactin-positive tissue. CONCLUSION CNC-associated acromegaly results from variable pituitary pathology, including a single GH-secreting adenoma or multiple GH-secreting adenomas and/or GH hypersecretion of the pituitary gland surrounding multiple adenomas. Although selective adenomectomy is the preferred treatment for cases of GH-secreting adenomas, multiple adenomas with associated pituitary gland GH hypersecretion may require partial or complete hypophysectomy to achieve biochemical remission.

Management of anterior skull base defects is an area of continued innovation for skull base surgeons. Various grafting materials have been advocated for the repair of skull base defects depending on needs, availability, harvest site morbidity, and surgeon preference. Spontaneous bony closure of small skull defects is known to occur in animal models without bone grafts, but this phenomenon has been unexplored in the human skull base. The objective of this study was to evaluate osseous skull base closure in patients undergoing endoscopic repair of skull base defects. A retrospective review was performed on 13 patients who underwent endoscopic repair of skull base defects with free bone grafts who were followed with postoperative computed tomography scans. This cohort was compared to postoperative radiology from patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery without rigid reconstruction to evaluate for spontaneous osseous closure of sellar defects. Free bone grafts are incorporated into the bony skull base in the majority of patients (84.6% with at least partial incorporation) at mean of 5.3 years postoperatively. By comparison, patients undergoing pituitary surgery did not demonstrate spontaneous osseous closure on postoperative imaging. Human anterior skull base defects do not appear to spontaneously close, even when small, suggesting that there is no "critical size defect" in the human skull base, in contrast to the robust wound healing in animal models of skull convexity and mandibular defects. Free bone grafts incorporate into the skull base over the long-term and may be utilized whenever a rigid skull base reconstruction is desired, regardless of the defect size.

Pituitary adenomas are a group of tumors arising from the anterior pituitary gland, and with the exception of prolactin-secreting adenomas, transsphenoidal resection is the cornerstone of treatment. Although most adenomas are located within the pituitary fossa, ectopic adenomas have been reported, primarily occurring along the route of embryologic development. In this article, we present the case of an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the nasolabial fold that likely resulted from seeding during transsphenoidal resection via sublabial approach.

BACKGROUND Anesthetic technique affects the neuroendocrine stress response to surgery. In this retrospective study, we compared the neuroendocrine stress response in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery (ETSPAS) with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol-remifentanil or balanced anesthesia (BAL) with sevoflurane-remifentanil. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-nine patients undergoing ETSPAS were anesthetized with either propofol-remifentanil (TIVA group, n=62) or sevoflurane-remifentanil (BAL group, n=27). Data were retrospectively collected regarding preoperative and immediate postoperative serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (primary outcome measures), as well as other pituitary hormones and their target organ hormones (secondary outcome measures). RESULTS There were no significant differences in preoperative pituitary hormone levels between the 2 groups. The immediate postoperative ACTH (89.5 [62.1 to 162.6] vs. 256.0 [92.0 to 570.7] pg/mL; P

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the anatomical structures of sphenoid sinus ostium used as a reference point for transsphenoidal surgery by cone beam computed tomography. The authors' study was performed using the cone-beam computed tomography images of 16 to 82-year old 200 (112 female, 88 male) patients (Newton 5G, Verona, Italy). Septum deviation of sphenoid sinus and the distance between 2 ostia were evaluated by coronal and axial sections, respectively. Pneumatization degree of sphenoid sinus, diameter of sphenoid sinus ostium, and distance lower edge of superior turbinate to sphenoid sinus ostium were measured by using sagittal sections. The sellar type was the most common pneumatization type of sphenoid sinus in authors' study. While the C-type septum deviation was observed as the most common, T-type deviation was the least type. Sphenoid sinus ostium was bilaterally in 71.5% of individuals, and it was not found in 10% of individuals included in the study. A significant decrease was determined in diameter of the left sphenoid sinus ostium with aging. The distances between 2 sphenoid sinus ostia were 7.30 ± 2.77 mm for women and 6.09 ± 2.58 mm for men, respectively. No statistical differences were found in women and men in terms of distances between the lower edge of the right and left superior turbinate and sphenoid sinus ostium on their sides. Consequently, making detailed preoperative radiological evaluation of anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus and sphenoid sinus ostium is important in terms of guiding the surgeon in the process of a successful transsphenoidal surgery.

This retrospective study aimed to define outcomes and complications of endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in pituitary adenoma. Data of 94 patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic (n = 45) or microscopic surgery (n = 49) between June 2000 and June 2014 for pituitary adenoma, performed at Katip Çelebi University Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' symptomatology, type of adenoma, radiologic findings, surgical outcomes, and preoperative and postoperative complications were investigated. The total subtotal resection rate was 73.4% (69 patients) and partial resection rate was 26.6% (25 patients). Total subtotal resection rate was 77.6% (38 patients) in the microscopic group and 68.9% (31 patients) in the endoscopic group. Total resection was seen more often in the endoscopic group than in the microscopic group, with no significant difference between the groups. Four patients (8.2%) in the microscopic group had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak compared with 3 patients (6.7%) in the endoscopic group. Two patients (2.1%) had hematoma, with 1 patient each in the endoscopic and microscopic group. Panhypopituitarism development rate was higher in the endoscopic group (no significant difference between the 2 groups). One patient (2%) developed blindness in the microscopic group and 1 (2.2%) had meningitis in the endoscopic group. Based on this study, the total resection rate was higher in the microscopic group than in the endoscopic group. However, outcomes and complication rate did not differ significantly between the 2 surgical techniques. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to compare the 2 surgical methods.

To assess the effectiveness of continuous lumbar drainage (LD) for management of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for resection of pituitary adenoma. Three hundred eighty-four medical records of patients who were admitted to our institute during a 2.5-year period were retrospectively reviewed, 33 of them experienced low-flow cerebrospinal fluid leak postoperatively. If LD was used, all patients with low-flow cerebrospinal fluid leak were classified into 2 groups, lumbar drained group and conservatively treated group. The age, sex, management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and related complications were reviewed. Statistical comparisons between the 2 groups were made using SPSS 19.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). The differences were considered statistically significant if the P value was less than 0.05.Thirty-three of 384 (8.6%) experienced low-flow postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Cured rate of cerebrospinal fluid leak was 94.4% (17/18) in continuous lumbar drained group, and 93.3% (14/15) in control group. There were 2 (11.2%) patients who developed meningitis in the LD group and 1 (5.6%) patient in the control group. One patient required endoscopic repair of skull base because of persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak in both groups, with the rates of 5.6% and 6.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference noted in each rate in both groups.Placement of LD may not be necessary for the management of low-flow postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after using endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenoma.

The surgical management of giant pituitary adenomas is challenging. Although most pituitary adenomas, even those with suprasellar extension, can be resected using the transsphenoidal surgery alone, the transcranial approach is still needed for approximately 1% to 4% of these tumors. The transcranial approach is usually used in large adenomas with hourglass configuration and adenomas with firm consistency impeding the adjunctive measures, which are used for delivering the suprasellar part of the tumor into the sellar area and thereby obscure the tumor resection by transsphenoidal route. In this report, we describe the successful use of transventricular endoscope as an adjunctive measure to remove giant pituitary adenoma from transsphenoidal route and discuss the limitations of this new technique. We concluded that this technique would be used safely in selected cases. Case selection and surgical strategies should be based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings, ventricular size, and the availability of experienced surgeons.

BACKGROUND Several studies report early results of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery; however, none discuss long-term outcome measures such as tumor recurrence rates and the need for additional surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE To discuss the long-term outcomes after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas. METHODS This is a retrospective study. Patients were included only if they had at least 5 years of clinical and imaging follow-up after surgery. RESULTS Eighty patients met the study criteria. Grossly complete resection was achieved in 71% of patients. Knosp grade 0 to 2 tumors and tumor with volumes

Background Numerous technological adjuncts are used during transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), including endoscopy, neuronavigation, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, and dural closure techniques. Objective To generate evidence-based guidelines for the use of NFPA surgical techniques and technologies. Methods An extensive literature search spanning January 1, 1966, to October 1, 2014, was performed, and only articles pertaining to technological adjuncts for NFPA resection were included. The clinical assessment evidence-based classification was used to ascertain the class of evidence. Results Fifty-six studies met the inclusion criteria, and evidence-based guidelines were formulated on the use of endoscopy, neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, CSF diversion, and dural closure techniques. Conclusion Both endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal approaches are recommended for symptom relief in patients with NFPAs, with the extent of tumor resection improved by adequate bony exposure and endoscopic visualization. In select cases, combined transcranial and transsphenoidal approaches are recommended. Although intraoperative MRI can improve gross total resection, its use is associated with an increased false-positive rate and is thus not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of neuronavigation, CSF diversion, intrathecal injection, or specific dural closure techniques. The full guidelines document for this chapter can be located at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/guidelines-management-patients-non-functioning-pituitary-adenomas/Chapter_6. Abbreviations CSF, cerebrospinal fluidNFPA, nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and complications of endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenomas. A total of 105 follow-up cases including 60 in endoscopic surgery and 45 in microscopic surgery were treated in our hospital between January 2012 and November 2014. The endoscopic approach had a higher rate of gross tumor removal (81.7% versus 62.2%, P 0.05) as well as a lower rate of postoperative complications (18.3% versus 35.6%, P 0.05) than that in the microscopic group. There was no significant difference in the rates of visual improvement and cerebrospinal fluid leak between endoscopic group and microscopic group (P 0.05). The length of the operation was longer (175 ± 25 minutes versus 110 ± 17 minutes, P 0.05) but the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (5.1 ± 0.7 versus 7.8 ± 0.8 days, P 0.05) for the endoscopic surgery group compared with microscopic surgery group. Endoscopic approach provides a wide surgical field and broad lateral vision making easier distinction of tumor tissue. The results of this study support the safety and short-term efficacy of endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after general anesthesia and are reported by approximately 20% to 25% of all patients and up to 39% of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. The most common standard prophylaxis is a single application of 4 mg of dexamethasone before initiating anesthesia. Dexamethasone is known to suppress adreno-corticotroph hormone and cortisol levels. The objective was to find out whether this prophylaxis has an effect on the postoperative levels of cortisol in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, and therefore simulates pituitary deficiency. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the files of 136 consecutive patients who were operated during a course of 6 months were included. Nineteen patients with a known history of PONV received a standard dose of 4 mg of dexamethasone perioperatively. Blood tests were drawn at the first postoperative day and were compared with blood tests of patients who had no history of PONV and therefore received no prophylaxis. Results: Patients who were treated with a dexamethasone PONV prophylaxis showed no significant changes in cortisol levels; preoperative median of 93 μg/L (range, 39 to 427) and a postoperative median of 87 μg/L (range, 10 to 733; P=0.798) opposed to patients who did not receive such treatment; preoperative cortisol 114 μg/L (range, 10 to 387) and postoperative levels of 273 μg/L (range, 10 to 1352; P Conclusions: As early postoperative blood checks of the cortisol levels yield important information about potential pituitary sufficiency after transsphenoidal surgery, the probability that dexamethasone PONV prophylaxis suppresses postoperative cortisol levels should be considered.

Methods: During transsphenoidal surgery (including 15 cases assisted with endoscope), diaphragma sellae damage and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred in 52 cases intraoperatively. The resection cavity was packed with absorbable hemostatic cotton and gelatin sponge, and then artificial dura mater and fibrin glue were used to seal and reconstruct the sellar floor. Postoperative and delayed CSF leakage occurred in 6 and 2 cases, respectively. To manage the CSF leakage, the removal of intranasal vaseline gauze was postponed; and meanwhile, continuous lumbar CSF drainage and/or mannitol were used to decrease the intracranial pressure.

BACKGROUND Recently, the use of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) has evolved in neurosurgery. Challenges related to ioMRI-augmented procedures are significant, since the magnetic field creates a potentially hazardous environment. Strict safety guidelines in the operating room (OR) are necessary. Checklists can minimize errors while increasing efficiency and improving workflow. OBJECTIVE To describe the Zurich checklists for safety in the ioMRI environment. METHODS We summarize the checklist protocol and the experience gained from over 300 surgical procedures performed over a 4-yr period using this new system for transcranial or transsphenoidal surgery in a 2-room high-field 3 Tesla ioMRI suite. RESULTS Particularities of the 2-room setting used at our institution can be summarized as (1) patient transfer from a sterile to a nonsterile environment and (2) patient transfer from a zone without to a zone with a high-strength magnetic field. Steps on the checklist have been introduced for reasons of efficient workflow, safety pertaining to the strength of the magnetic field, or sterility concerns. Each step in the checklist corresponds to a specific phase and particular actions taken during the workflow in the ioMRI suite. Most steps are relevant to any 2-room ioMRI-OR suite. CONCLUSION The use of an ioMRI-checklist promotes a zero-tolerance attitude for errors, can lower complications, and can help create an environment that is both efficient and safe for the patient and the OR personnel. We highly recommend the use of a surgical checklist when applying ioMRI.

Rationale Pituicytomas are exceptional rare tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions with clinical manifestations, such as headache, visual disturbance, hypopituitarism, and decreased libido. Unlike that of common pituitary adenoma, the association between pituicytoma and Cushing disease (CD) is extremely rare. There were only 6 reported cases till now. In the current study, we describe an unusual case of pituicytoma associated with severe CD with a recurrence-free follow-up period of 49 months. Patient concerns A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with moon face, central obesity, and purple stripes on the lower limbs. Diagnoses The plasma cortisol level was 1122 nmol/L. The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test failed to suppress plasma cortisol. This test provided evidence of nonpituitary-dependent CD. However, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sellar mass measuring approximately 7.6 × 5.7 mm. The patient was diagnosed with pituitary microadenoma. Histopathological analysis of the tissue sections based on the findings from the immunohistochemical staining diagnosed it as pituicytoma. Interventions Transsphenoidal surgery was performed to remove the pituitary mass. Outcomes Within 2 months postoperatively, the patient's blood pressure and cortisol level decreased gradually and normalized on the 6th month when other symptoms of CD also disappeared. The patient is presently free from recurrence 49 months after the initial diagnosis. Lessons Based on the postoperative remission, CD was caused by pituitary disorders. A reasonable assumption is that an extremely small coexisting adenoma was not detected by the surgeon and washed out during the dissection. Another possible explanation might be the mass effect caused by this intrasellar lesion.

Introduction:Transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors is a surgery performed through the nose and sphenoid sinus to remove pituitary tumors. Disorders of sodium balance are common after transsphenoidal surgery involving the pituitary gland. Here, we report the clinical features of an or

BACKGROUND: During tumor removal in the endoscopic endonasal approach to pituitary adenomas with a significant suprasellar extension, the early descent of diaphragma sellae obscuring the visualization of the surgical field is a surgical challenge. OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple diaphragma retraction technique to eliminate this problem. METHODS: A transparent flexible material (a strip of polypropylene) was used as a self-retaining retractor to elevate the redundant diaphragma and to maintain the diaphragma elevation. This technique was performed in 3 patients who had pituitary adenoma with suprasellar extension. The degree of tumor removal was determined by a combination of surgeon's intraoperative impression and the postoperative magnetic resonance imaging obtained 3 months later. RESULTS: The technique was performed very easily and no complication was observed owing to this technique and self-retaining retractor. Total tumor removal was achieved in 2 patients with this technique and subtotal removal in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: This technique was effective and practicable to elevate the diaphragma sellae during the tumor removal phase of transsphenoidal surgery. This simple self-retaining retractor may support the neurosurgeon's skill by providing control of the entire surgical field and adequate working space. It may also eliminate the risks of blind curettage during surgery.

Nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a rare and severe complication of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma(PA). To improve recognition of this complication, we reviewed and examined 4 patients with nonaneurysmal SAH secondary to transsphenoidal surgery for PAs. Furthermore, possible causes contributed to the SAH, and the attention on preventing the occurrence of SAH is reviewed and stressed.

Experience is an important point in the effectiveness of the surgical procedure and in the reduction of complications in pituitary surgery. Endoscopic pituitary surgery differs from microscopic surgery because it requires a steep learning curve for endoscopic skills. In this study, we investigated the learning curve of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in our department. Endoscopic transsphenoidal operations were performed on 80 patients, who were retrospectively examined and grouped as the early and late experience groups to evaluate the learning curve. The patients' characteristics, gross total resection, endocrinological cure, visual field improvement, duration of surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were noted. After examining our patients of the 2 groups of period, our experience showed that as the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery increases, the duration of surgery and postoperative hospital stay decrease. In this study, we identified a learning curve in endoscopic pituitary surgery.

BACKGROUND:A virtual reality (VR) neurosurgical simulator with haptic feedback may provide the best model for training and perfecting surgical techniques for transsphenoidal approaches to the sella turcica and cranial base. Currently there are 2 commercially available simulators: NeuroTouch (Cranio and Endo) developed by the National Research Council of Canada in collaboration with surgeons at teaching hospitals in Canada, and the Immersive Touch. Work in progress on other simulators at additional institutions is currently unpublished.OBJECTIVE:This article describes a newly developed application of the NeuroTouch simulator that facilitates the performance and assessment of technical skills for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgical procedures as well as plans for collecting metrics during its early use.METHODS:The main components of the NeuroTouch-Endo VR neurosurgical simulator are a stereovision system, bimanual haptic tool manipulators, and high-end computers. The software engine continues to evolve, allowing additional surgical tasks to be performed in the VR environment. Device utility for efficient practice and performance metrics continue to be developed by its originators in collaboration with neurosurgeons at several teaching hospitals in the United States. Training tasks are being developed for teaching 1- and 2-nostril endonasal transsphenoidal approaches. Practice sessions benefit from anatomic labeling of normal structures along the surgical approach and inclusion (for avoidance) of critical structures, such as the internal carotid arteries and optic nerves.CONCLUSION:The simulation software for NeuroTouch-Endo VR simulation of transsphenoidal surgery provides an opportunity for beta testing, validation, and evaluation of performance metrics for use in neurosurgical residency training.

Background Three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopy is a recent addition to augment the transsphenoidal surgical approach for anterior skull-base and parasellar lesions. We describe our experience implementing this technology into regular surgical practice. Objective Retrospective review of clinical factors and outcomes. Methods All patients were analyzed who had endoscopic endonasal parasellar operations since the introduction of the 3-D endoscope to our practice. Over an 18-month period, 160 operations were performed using solely endoscopic techniques. Sixty-five of these were with the Visionsense VSII 3-D endoscope and 95 utilized 2-dimensional (2-D) high-definition (HD) Storz endoscopes. Intraoperative and postoperative findings were analyzed in a retrospective fashion. Results Comparing both groups, there was no significant difference in total or surgical operating room times comparing the 2-D HD and 3-D endoscopes (239 minutes vs 229 minutes, P = .47). Within disease-specific comparison, pituitary adenoma resection was significantly shorter utilizing the 3-D endoscope (surgical time 174 minutes vs 147 minutes, P = .03). These findings were independent of resident or fellow experience. There was no significant difference in the rate of complication, reoperation, tumor resection, or intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Subjectively, the 3-D endoscope offered increased agility with 3-D techniques such as exposing the sphenoid rostrum, drilling sphenoidal septations, and identifying bony landmarks and suprasellar structures. Conclusion The 3-D endoscope is a useful alternative to the 2-D HD endoscope for transnasal anterior skull-base surgery. Preliminary results suggest it is more efficient surgically and has a shorter learning curve. As 3-D technology and resolution improve, it should serve to be an invaluable tool for neuroendoscopy.

Craniopharyngioma (CP), a rare benign and slow-growing epithelial tumor, is mainly located within the sellar/parasellar region. Primary CP involving the nasal cavity and the sellar region with extensive erosion of the skull base and ossification simultaneity has not been described previously. The authors report a 23-year-old man who presented to our institute with complaints of repeated nasal cavity bloodshed, liquid flow, and progressive visual loss. A neuroimaging examination showed a giant cranionasal and cystic-solid CP extending from the suprasellar region to the nasopharynx with inhomogeneous enhancement, which is associated with extensive erosion of the skull base and ossification. The patient underwent a transsphenoidal surgery to resect the nasopharyngeal component of CP and a subfrontal craniotomy with a total removal of intracranial component by grinding 3 months later. A histopathologic examination revealed characteristic features of adamantinomatous CP associated with ossification. The current study demonstrates that CP can exhibit cranionasal growth pattern and arise from residue of craniopharyngeal duct. Extensive erosion of the skull base, calcification, and ossification can present in tumor simultaneity. A 2-stage stratagem is important for its total removal because of the peculiar hardness. Postsurgical course is unevenly and should be dealt with carefully.

Introduction The shape and position of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (CSICA) are complicated, which makes the surgeries around it difficult. There were many reports about the primary event of internal carotid artery injury resulting in hemorrhage during transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors. The anatomical relationship between CSICA and the structures in the sella region around can explain its mechanism. Purpose We study the CSICA and its positional relationship to some stationary structures in the sellar region to locate CSICA and prevent it from injuring in the process of transsphenoidal surgery. Material and methods Computed topographic angiography images of 144 internal carotid arteries in individuals were reviewed. The distance from CSICA to midpoint of sella bottom (SB) and the angle between line BA and line BM were measured in the coronal plane, which is across the middle point of SB. The vertical distance from the anterior curve segment of CSICA to the top edge of the sphenoid sinus was measured in people with sphenoid sinus of types III and IV. The horizontal distance between the midpoint of the posterior curve segment and the coronal middle line of SB was measured in the sagittal plane after multiplanar reformation. Results The mean (SD) distances from the CSICA to the midpoint of SB were 11.25 (3.35) mm in the right and 11.06 (2.98) mm in the left, and the mean (SD) angles between line BA and line BM were 74.2 (2.16) degrees in the right and 73.5 (2.33) degrees in the left. The mean (SD) vertical distance between the anterior curve segment of the CSICA and the top edge of the sphenoid sinus was -0.62 (0.96) mm, the mean (SD) of the right side was -0.68 (1.24) mm, and the mean (SD) of the left was -0.54 (1.15) mm. The mean (SD) horizontal distance between the midpoint of PS segment and the coronal middle line of SB was 6.41 (1.94) mm in the right and 6.31 (1.33) mm in the left. Conclusions The data in our study are valuable for surgeons in real clinical practice to achieve the best possible surgical outcome and maximize safety, and they also contribute to the understanding of the anatomy of CSICA and the structures around.

BACKGROUND The efficacy of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for Cushing disease has not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE To assess efficacy of a pure endoscopic approach for treatment of Cushing disease and determine predictors of remission. METHODS A prospectively acquired database of 61 patients undergoing ETS was reviewed. Remission was defined as postoperative morning serum cortisol of

BACKGROUND Delayed ischemic events due to vasospasm are a well-known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Severe vasospasm in other neurosurgical settings is not as well recognized. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of vasospasm in such settings may be associated with significant neurological morbidity. OBJECTIVE To present three cases of symptomatic delayed cerebral vasospasm after transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. METHODS Transsphenoidal resection in all cases was complicated by peritumoral hemorrhage with extension into the subarachnoid space. Two of the 3 patients required re-operation to evacuate the hematoma in the tumor bed because of progressive worsening neurological deficits. RESULTS All 3 patients developed vasospasm of the intracranial vessels, starting as early as postoperative day 5 and appearing as late as postoperative day 10. Comparisons to the non-vascular pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging studies confirmed the "de-novo" nature of the vasospasm based on the caliber of the flow voids. CONCLUSION Transsphenoidal surgery complicated by peritumoral hemorrhage is associated with a significant risk of neurological morbidity because of delayed cerebral vasospasm. Early recognition and management according to guidelines used for postaneurysmal SAH may help to improve outcomes in these patients.

Background Surgical indications for Rathke cleft cyst are not clear. Objective To evaluate postoperative outcomes in terms of endocrine function. Methods The study analyzed a total 73 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery. All patients underwent a visual field test, combined pituitary function test, and magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. A follow-up combined pituitary function test was performed at 1.5-year intervals. Results The mean age at the time of surgery was 35 ± 14 years, and the male/female ratio was 1:1.25 (33/40). The mean follow-up duration after surgery was 59 ± 39 months. The most common symptoms were headache (84%), visual disturbance (48%), and polyuria (38%). After transsphenoidal surgery, 75% of polyuria and 96% of visual field defects were resolved, and pituitary function improved in 42% of patients. The mean age of patients who exhibited worsened hypopituitarism was significantly higher than that of patients who exhibited unchanged or improved hypopituitarism (44 ± 15.7 vs 33 ± 13.5 years; P = .02). Twelve patients (16%) experienced recollection of cyst, but none required reoperation. Five of the recollected cysts presented with characteristics that were different from those of the initial lesions, and 2 recollected cysts underwent spontaneous regression. Conclusion Minimal incision with radical removal of cyst content is reasonable to prevent the development of endocrine disturbances and other complications. Individualized risks and benefits must be assessed before a decision is reached regarding surgery and surgical method. Patients with recurrent Rathke cleft cyst require careful follow-up with special attention rather than a hasty operation.