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BMC Surgery May 2024The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) has revolutionized skull-base surgery; however, it is associated with a steep learning curve (LC), necessitating...
BACKGROUND
The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA) has revolutionized skull-base surgery; however, it is associated with a steep learning curve (LC), necessitating additional attention from surgeons to ensure patient safety and surgical efficacy. The current literature is constrained by the small sample sizes of studies and their observational nature. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature and identify strengths and weaknesses related to the assessment of EETA-LC.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for clinical studies on EETA-LC using detailed search strategies, including pertinent keywords and Medical Subject Headings. The selection criteria included studies comparing the outcomes of skull-base surgeries involving pure EETA in the early and late stages of surgeons' experience, studies that assessed the learning curve of at least one surgical parameter, and articles published in English.
RESULTS
The systematic review identified 34 studies encompassing 5,648 patients published between 2002 and 2022, focusing on the EETA learning curve. Most studies were retrospective cohort designs (88%). Various patient assortment methods were noted, including group-based and case-based analyses. Statistical analyses included descriptive and comparative methods, along with regression analyses and curve modeling techniques. Pituitary adenoma (PA) being the most studied pathology (82%). Among the evaluated variables, improvements in outcomes across variables like EC, OT, postoperative CSF leak, and GTR. Overcoming the initial EETA learning curve was associated with sustained outcome improvements, with a median estimated case requirement of 32, ranging from 9 to 120 cases. These findings underscore the complexity of EETA-LC assessment and the importance of sustained outcome improvement as a marker of proficiency.
CONCLUSIONS
The review highlights the complexity of assessing the learning curve in EETA and underscores the need for standardized reporting and prospective studies to enhance the reliability of findings and guide clinical practice effectively.
Topics: Humans; Learning Curve; Skull Base; Endoscopy; Pituitary Neoplasms; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 38705991
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-024-02418-y -
BMC Cancer May 2024Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the long-term efficacy and adverse reactions profile of brachytherapy for CPs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on brachytherapy in patients with CPs. Included studies were limited to publications in full manuscript form with at least 5-year median follow-up, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 clinical trials involving 266 patients with CPs were included in this meta-analysis. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 1-year, 2-3 years and 5 years progression free survival rates (PFS) are 75% (95%CI: 66-84%), 62% (95%CI: 52-72%) and 57% (95%CI: 22-92%), respectively. At the last follow-up, less than 16% of patients with visual outcomes worser than baseline in all included studies. While, for endocrine outcomes, less than 32% of patients worser than baseline level.
CONCLUSION
In general, based on the above results, brachytherapy should be considered as a good choice for the treatment of CP.
Topics: Humans; Brachytherapy; Craniopharyngioma; Follow-Up Studies; Pituitary Neoplasms; Progression-Free Survival; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38790011
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12397-1 -
Endokrynologia Polska 2021Although histopathology remains in the first line of the diagnosis of pituitary pathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology are currently in charge of...
INTRODUCTION
Although histopathology remains in the first line of the diagnosis of pituitary pathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology are currently in charge of providing a more accurate characterisation of tumours in this field.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed, using the PubMed and SCOPUS databases, with terms that included transcription factors involved in the development of pituitary tumours: T-PIT, PIT-1, and SF-1.
RESULTS
The results showed different perspectives, but the evidence is in favour of a multifold immunohistochemical analysis that must include pituitary transcription factors for a highly accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and guidance of (multimodal) therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
By using transcription factors, the understanding of the structure and function of the recently defined pituitary neuroendocrine tumours has made significant progress. This approach brings the (sub)classification of pituitary tumours, using cell types and cell lineages, with clinical and molecular implications and therapeutic results.
Topics: Homeodomain Proteins; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Neoplasms; T-Box Domain Proteins; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 33749818
DOI: 10.5603/EP.a2020.0090 -
Pituitary Jun 2024Prolactinomas are common tumours that significantly reduce quality-of-life (QOL) due to sellar mass effect, secondary hypogonadism, and the peripheral effects of...
BACKGROUND
Prolactinomas are common tumours that significantly reduce quality-of-life (QOL) due to sellar mass effect, secondary hypogonadism, and the peripheral effects of prolactin. Understanding the factors that influence QOL would provide insights into therapeutic targets to optimise patient outcomes and improve wellbeing in prolactinoma.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that reported patient QoL using validated metrics were included. Bias and methodological rigour were assessed using the MINORS criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies were identified studies were available for review, comprising 877 patients. Most were small cross-sectional studies at high risk of bias. Prolactinoma exhibit worse QOL than healthy controls, particularly mental and psychosocial wellbeing. QOL is also worse than patients with non-functional adenomas, but better than those with Cushing's disease and acromegaly. QOL correlates with prolactin levels, and approaches population baseline with prolonged biochemical control. Dopamine agonists and surgery both improve overall QOL, however improvements are more rapid with surgery.
CONCLUSION
Poor quality of life in prolactinoma is multifactorial, related to biochemical control, side effects of therapy, and sellar mass effect. Targeting persistent symptoms, reducing healthcare costs, and reducing side-effects of therapy are avenues to improving QOL in patients with prolactinoma.
Topics: Prolactinoma; Humans; Quality of Life; Pituitary Neoplasms; Dopamine Agonists
PubMed: 38656635
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01392-1 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Jun 2022Differentiation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) tissue from surrounding normal tissue during surgery is challenging. A number of fluorescent agents is... (Review)
Review
Fluorescence-guided detection of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) tissue during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery available agents, their potential, and technical aspects.
Differentiation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) tissue from surrounding normal tissue during surgery is challenging. A number of fluorescent agents is available for visualization of tissue discrepancy, with the potential of improving total tumor resection. This review evaluates the availability, clinical and technical applicability of the various fluorescent agents within the field of pituitary surgery. According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed to identify reports describing results of in vivo application of fluorescent agents. In this review, 15 publications were included. Sodium Fluorescein (FNa) was considered in two studies. The first study reported noticeable fluorescence in adenoma tissue, the second demonstrated the strongest fluorescence in non-functioning pituitary adenomas. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) was investigated in three studies. One study compared laser-based optical biopsy system (OBS) with photo-diagnostic filter (PD) and found that the OBS was able to detect all microadenomas, even when MRI was negative. The second study retrospectively analyzed twelve pituitary adenomas and found only one positive for fluorescence. The third investigated fifteen pituitary adenomas of which one displayed vague fluorescence. Indocyanine green (ICG) was researched in four studies with variable results. Second-Window ICG yielded no significant difference between functioning and non-functioning adenomas in one study, while a second study displayed 4 times higher fluorescence in tumor tissue than in normal tissue. In three studies, OTL38 showed potential in non-functioning pituitary adenomas. At present, evidence for fluorescent agents to benefit total resection of PitNETs is lacking. OTL38 can potentially serve as a selective fluorescent agent in non-functioning pituitary adenomas in the near future.
Topics: Adenoma; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35344185
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09718-9 -
European Archives of... Sep 2023We aimed to summarize the available data on the objective rhinologic outcome after endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal (ETT) surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
We aimed to summarize the available data on the objective rhinologic outcome after endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal (ETT) surgery.
METHODS
Retrospective study on a consecutive cohort of treatment-naïve patients undergoing ETT pituitary gland surgery. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis with focus on the rhinologic outcome, including postoperative smell function was performed.
RESULTS
The institutional series incorporated 168 patients. A concomitant endoscopic septoplasty was performed in 29/168 patients (17.3%). A nasoseptal flap was used for reconstruction of large skull-base defects or high-flow CSF leaks in 4/168 (2.4%) patients. Early postoperative rhinologic complications (< 4 weeks) included epistaxis (3%), acute rhinosinusitis (1.2%) and late postoperative complications (≥ 8 weeks) comprised prolonged crusting (15.6%), symptomatic synechiae (11.9%) and septal perforation (0.6%). Postoperative smell function was not impaired (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.0). The systematic review included 19 studies on 1533 patients with a median postoperative epistaxis rate of 1.4% (IQR 1.0-2.2), a postoperative acute rhinosinusitis rate of 2.3% (IQR 2.1-3.0), a postoperative synechiae rate of 7.5% (IQR 1.8-19.1) and a postoperative septal perforation rate of 2.2% (IQR 0.5-5.4). Seven studies including a total of 206 patients reported adequate outcome measures for smell function before and after ETT surgery. Only 2/7 studies reported an impairment of smell function postoperatively, especially in patients with nasoseptal flap harvesting.
CONCLUSION
Early and late postoperative rhinologic complication rates after ETT surgery for pituitary lesions seem to be low. A thorough evaluation of smell function, in particular in patients at risk for nasoseptal flap harvesting, may be an important factor in optimal postoperative care.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Epistaxis; Surgical Flaps; Endoscopy; Pituitary Gland; Skull Base; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36988686
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07934-w -
PloS One 2020Childhood craniopharyngioma is a rare and slow growing brain tumour, often located in the sellar and suprasellar region. It commonly manifests with visual impairment,...
Childhood craniopharyngioma is a rare and slow growing brain tumour, often located in the sellar and suprasellar region. It commonly manifests with visual impairment, increased intracranial pressure and hypothalamic and/or pituitary deficiencies. Visual impairment in childhood adversely affects a child's daily functioning and quality of life. We systematically reviewed the literature to provide an extensive overview of the visual function in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to estimate the diversity, magnitude and relevance of the problem of visual impairment. Of the 543 potentially relevant articles, 84 studies met our inclusion criteria. Visual impairment at diagnosis was reported in 1041 of 2071 children (50.3%), decreased visual acuity was reported in 546 of 1321 children (41.3%) and visual field defects were reported in 426 of 1111 children (38.3%). Other ophthalmological findings described were fundoscopic (32.5%) and orthoptic abnormalities (12.5%). Variations in ophthalmological testing methods and ophthalmological definitions precluded a meta-analysis. The results of this review confirm the importance of ophthalmological examination in children with craniopharyngioma at diagnosis in order to detect visual impairment and provide adequate support. Future studies should focus on long-term visual follow-up of childhood craniopharyngioma in response to different treatment strategies to provide insight in risks and ways to prevent further loss of vision.
Topics: Child; Craniopharyngioma; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Risk; Vision, Ocular
PubMed: 33002047
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240016 -
Medical Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumors that impose a heavy burden on patients worldwide. The local burden of disease is yet to be established due to scarcity of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumors that impose a heavy burden on patients worldwide. The local burden of disease is yet to be established due to scarcity of data. In line with this, this study aims to present the challenges and gaps in the treatment of pituitary adenomas in the Philippines.
METHODS
A scoping review of available relevant literature on epidemiology, clinical experience with treatment, health financing, and healthcare delivery system based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines extension for Scoping Reviews was conducted.
RESULTS
The scarcity of updated local clinical data, inequity of distribution of resources, inadequate government support, and lack of affordable diagnostic testing, medications, and neurosurgical procedures are the factors that hinder provision of adequate care of pituitary adenomas in the Philippines.
CONCLUSION
There are notable treatment gaps in the management of pituitary adenomas in the Philippines, which may be addressed by strengthening universal healthcare. Strategies to address these gaps were proposed, including improving public-private insurance coverage, increasing manpower, enhancing accessibility to resources, and spreading more awareness.
Topics: Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Philippines; Adenoma; Brain Neoplasms; Government
PubMed: 38535157
DOI: 10.3390/medsci12010016 -
Pituitary Aug 2020Surgery in patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFMA) is effective in ameliorating visual function. The urgency for decompression, and preferred timing...
Quality of care evaluation in non-functioning pituitary adenoma with chiasm compression: visual outcomes and timing of intervention clinical recommendations based on a systematic literature review and cohort study.
PURPOSE
Surgery in patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFMA) is effective in ameliorating visual function. The urgency for decompression, and preferred timing of surgery related to the preoperative severity of dysfunction is unknown.
METHODS
Systematic review for evidence to provide clinical guidance for timing of surgical decompression of the optic chiasm, and a cohort study of 30 NFMA patients, in whom mean deviation (MD), and severity of visual dysfunction was assessed.
RESULTS
Systematic review 44 studies were included with a total of 4789 patients. Postoperatively, visual field defects improved in 87.0% of patients, stabilized in 12.8% and worsened in 1.0%. Specific protocols regarding timing of surgery were not reported. Only seven studies (16.7%) reported on either the duration of visual symptoms, or diagnostic, or treatment delay. Cohort study 30 NFMA patients (50% female, 60 eyes, mean age 58.5 ± 14.8 years), had a median MD of - 5.3 decibel (IQR - 3.1 to - 10.1). MD was strongly correlated with clinical severity (r = - 0.94, P < 0.0001), and were used for severity of defects cut-off values: (1) normal > - 2 dB, (2) mild - 2 dB to - 4 dB, (3) moderate - 4 to - 8 dB, (4) severe - 8 to - 17 dB, (5) very severe < - 17 dB.
CONCLUSION
Surgical decompression is highly effective in improving visual function. Uniform, quantitative grading of visual dysfunction was lacking. MD is a promising quantitative outcome measure. We provide recommendations for the evaluation of timing of surgery, considering severity of visual impairment, which will need further validation based on expert clinical practice.
Topics: Adenoma; Cohort Studies; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Hemianopsia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Optic Chiasm; Pituitary Neoplasms; Quality of Health Care; Recovery of Function; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Tumor Burden; Vision Disorders; Visual Acuity; Visual Field Tests
PubMed: 32419072
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01044-0 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jun 2020Pituitary adenomas (PA) are common intracranial tumors. In the context of the aging of the population, the question is whether postsurgical outcomes are comparable to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Pituitary adenomas (PA) are common intracranial tumors. In the context of the aging of the population, the question is whether postsurgical outcomes are comparable to the younger ones. The primary objective of the present study was to review published resection and recurrence rates after transsphenoidal resection. The secondary aim was to evaluate visual improvement and complication rates.
METHODS
The authors searched PubMed and Medline databases, of published English series, with no time frame limit, evaluating outcomes of transsphenoidal resection in populations aged more or less than 65, 70, and 80 years. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Median overall resection rates for younger population was 70.7% (range 54-76.8) and for elderly one was 65.7% (range 16.6-78.2) (two-sample t test, p = 0.35). The only statistically significant difference for gross total resection rates (GTR) favored patients aged less than 80 (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference among recurrence rates. There was a statistically significant difference for visual improvement favoring patients aged more than 80 (p = 0.03). For the age groups of less versus more than 70, there was a statistically significant difference for overall complication rate favoring younger groups (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Present data shows GTR rates favoring younger patients. Recurrence rates remain similar over the mean follow-up period. Moreover, visual improvement favors patients aged more than 80. Overall complication rates favor patients younger than 70, which might be also related to additional comorbidities, frequently present in seniors. Transsphenoidal surgery is safe and effective even for older patients.
Topics: Adenoma; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pituitary Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 32221730
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04300-1