Outcomes of the Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Resection of Pituitary Adenomas Utilizing Extracapsular Dissection Technique with a Cotton Swab.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of a cotton swab for extracapsular dissection in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) for pituitary adenoma (PA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients undergoing ETSS for PA from 2014 to 2017 was undertaken. Only patients with extracapsular dissection by cotton swab with the intent to completely remove the tumor were included. Assessment of the prospectively recorded clinical, laboratory, and radiographic presentation as well as the intra- and postoperative data was carried out. Factors influencing the extent of resection were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 222 patients, one hundred cases met the inclusion criteria. The cohort consisted of 81 nonfunctioning and 19 functioning PAs. Fifty patients presented with visual disturbance and 34 patients had prior surgical treatment. The majority of PAs was macroadenoma (97%) with 73% modified Hardy Stage C and 38% Knosp Grade 4. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage was the most frequently noted complication (78%). Meningitis occurred in three cases and repeat ETSS for CSF leakage repair was necessary in three patients. No death or vascular injury was observed. At 12 months after ETSS, magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed 43% complete tumor resection. Previous surgery and Knosp Grade 4 were the strong factors for incomplete PA removal by multivariate logistic regression analysis. For functioning PAs, thirteen patients (68.42%) achieved biochemical remission.

CONCLUSION

Cotton swab for extracapsular dissection proved its clinical effectiveness and safety. In spite of the technique, negative predictors for complete PA resection were parasellar extension and previous surgery.