Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgical treatment of pituitary tumors at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima Peru: outcomes of a series of cases.

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery has become a surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of pituitary tumors. The objective of the present study was to describe the demographic, clinical characteristics, complications, and postoperative results of the patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic resection. Methods: A descriptive case series study of patients with pituitary tumors operated through a transsphenoidal endoscopic approach was carried out from January 2016 to August 2018 in the Neurosurgery Department of the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital. Data were obtained by reviewing the medical records. Results: A total of 20 endoscopic surgeries were performed, of which 08 were for pituitary macroadenomas, 07 for giant pituitary adenomas, and 05 for other tumor lesions. Of the total number of operated patients, 11 were male (55%) and the most frequent age group was between the 3rd to 5th decade of life (70%). Regarding the postoperative results, a total and subtotal resection was performed in 60% of the patients and partial resection in 20%. Regarding postoperative complications, 45% of patients had transient diabetes insipidus. 1 patient died (5%) due to septic symptoms. Conclusions: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery provides several advantages over microscopic transsphenoidal surgery, such as providing greater anatomical detail, direct visualization of the tumor, and cerebrospinal fluid leak sites, which allows achieving better results in terms of disease control and the prevention of complications. However, studies with a larger number of patients are necessary. Keywords: Pituitary Neoplasms, Endoscopy, Neurosurgical Procedures, Diabetes Insipidus. (source: MeSH NLM)