Peri-operative quality of life assessment in endoscopically treated patients with pineal region tumours.

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic modalities for pineal region tumours are still matter of debate. Endoscopic treatment is a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with pineal region tumours who underwent endoscopic procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients (male:3, female 5) were included in this study. Post-operative evaluation of surgical outcome in terms of quality of life (QoL) was performed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30). The patient's outcome scores were compared with normative outcome values of the German population. Pre-operative and post-operative global QoL and symptoms such as headache, visual disturbance, gait disturbance, cognitive function and unconsciousness were documented. Descriptive and explorative statistics were performed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the normal German population and the endoscopically treated patients in different health domains and measures of QLQ-C30 (physical functioning 87.5%, emotional functioning 50%, cognitive functioning 50%, social functioning 62.5%; percentage represents regular functioning). Improved quality of life could be demonstrated in short-term (3-12 months, n = 3) and long-term (21-29 months, n = 5) follow-up. Global QoL improved significantly (p < 0.001; t-test) post-operatively. The following changes between pre-operative and post-operative clinical symptoms were found (headache 87.5%/62.5%, visual disturbance 50%/25%, gait disturbance 87.5%/25%, cognitive functioning 75%/37.5%, unconsciousness 25%/-).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment of patients with pineal region tumours produces improved post-operative quality of life in all health domains. Therefore, the endoscopic approach should be considered as an alternative treatment in patients with newly diagnosed pineal tumours and/or related hydrocephalus.