Selective resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus in pituitary surgery: results of a prospective single center analysis.

PURPOSE

Pituitary adenomas, despite their histologically benign nature, can severely impact patients' quality of life due to hormone hypersecretion. Invasion of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MWCS) by these tumors complicates surgical outcomes, lowering biochemical remission rates and increasing recurrence. This study aims to share our institutional experience with the selective resection of the MWCS in endoscopic pituitary surgery.

METHODS

This prospective study included patients diagnosed with pituitary adenomas who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville. Inclusion criteria encompassed confirmed pituitary adenomas, selective MWCS resection, and availability of histopathological data. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases met the inclusion criteria. Functional adenomas and macroadenomas constituted 80.8% of cases. Recurrent adenomas represented 19.2% of cases. Tumor invasion of the MWCS was confirmed in 76.9% of cases and patients with acromegaly had the highest rate of confirmed invasion of the MW (88.8%). Initial disease control was achieved in 88.5% of the patients, and disease remission at last follow up was observed in those with acromegaly, Cushing's disease and prolactinomas in 87.5%, 83.3% and 66.6% of cases, respectively. Complete resection was achieved in 5/5 nonfunctioning adenomas. There were no carotid injuries, cranial deficits or fatalities observed.

CONCLUSION

Resection of the MWCS is an effective strategy for improving surgical outcomes in pituitary adenomas with potential invasion into this area, especially in patients with functional and/or recurrent adenomas. The procedure demonstrates a positive balance of efficacy and safety, when performed by teams with high level of experience in endoscopic skull base surgery and in selected patients.