Transsphenoidal Approach to Pituitary Adenomas: from the Microscope to the Endoscope

Abstract

Objective Report the transitioning from the usage of microscope to endoscope in the transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenomas with a main focus on technical nuances and incorporation of new surgical instruments throughout several years.

Methods Between 1993 and 2015, the Skull Base team of Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG operated on 225 pituitary adenomas through a transsphenoidal approach. The study was divided into 3 groups: the first group (from 1993 to 2001) used the microscope only; the second group (from 2002 to 2004) used both the microscope and endoscope simultaneously, and the third group (from 2005 to 2015) used the endoscope only.

Results There were 120 functional adenomas and 98 non-functional pituitary tumors; 7 cases could not be classified. The first two groups consisted of 50 cases, as 175 cases were operated with the endoscope only. As the transseptal moved to the endonasal route, it allowed the procedure to be performed by three or four hands, better visualization of the lateral sella, approach to the cavernous sinus and treatment of CSF leaks with a vascularized graft from the septal mucosa. The surgical instruments were adapted as the microscopic approach was switched to the endoscopic technique.

Conclusion Despite the lack of literature data showing superior magnification or lighting when comparing the endoscope to the microscope, we believe the former provides greater comfort and safety in the transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.

Resumo

Objetivo Relatar a transição do microscópio ao endoscópio no acesso transesfenoidal aos adenomas hipofisários, com ênfase nas nuances técnicas, conceitos e incorporações de instrumentos cirúrgicos ao longo dos anos.

Método No período de 1993 a 2015, foram operados 225 adenomas hipofisários por via transesfenoidal pelo grupo de cirurgia de base do crânio do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG. O estudo foi dividido em três etapas, de acordo com o dispositivo usado para iluminação e magnificação do campo operatório: primeira etapa (1993 a 2001), uso do microscópio; segunda etapa (2002 a 2004), uso simultâneo do microscópio e do endoscópio; terceira etapa (2005 a 2015), uso exclusivo do endoscópio.

Resultados Adenomas funcionantes corresponderam a 120 casos, e os não funcionantes, a 98. Sete casos não puderam ser classificados. Cinquenta cirurgias corresponderam às duas primeiras etapas, e 175 foram realizadas exclusivamente com o endoscópio. O acesso migrou do transeptal para o endonasal, o que permitiu a cirurgia a três ou quatro mãos, melhor visualização das porções laterais da sela e abordagem do seio cavernoso, além de tratamento de fístulas com retalho pediculado de mucosa do septo. Os instrumentos cirúrgicos foram adaptados à medida que se trocou o microscópio pelo endoscópio.

Conclusão Apesar de a literatura não demonstrar que um tipo de equipamento de iluminação e magnificação seja superior ao outro, acreditamos que o endoscópio nos propiciou maior conforto e segurança no tratamento dos adenomas hipofisários por via transesfenoidal.

Keywords

pituitary adenoma - transsphenoidal surgery - neuroendoscopy

Palavras chave

adenoma hipofisário - cirurgia transesfenoidal - neuroendoscopia

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