Abstract
Objective Little data exist on short-term quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, specifically sinonasal
measures, after endoscopic pituitary surgery.
Design Prospective case series assessed sinonasal QOL before and after the transnasal endoscopic
approach to the sella with resection of nasal cavity and sinus tissues.
Setting/Participants/Main Outcome Measures A total of 39 adults scheduled to undergo resection for a pituitary mass preoperatively
completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). Rating various QOL issues, testing
repeated postoperatively at 1 month by 37 patients and 3 months by 35 patients, was
analyzed (paired Student t test).
Results SNOT-22 scores (5-point scale; total: 110) averaged 23.4 preoperatively and 27.6
at 1 month but had significantly improved to 16.2 at 3 months (p = 0.03). Emotional well-being parameters (e.g., sadness, frustration, concentration,
productivity, fatigue) significantly improved 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Physiologic parameters (e.g., olfaction, obstruction, postnasal drainage)
that had worsened at 1 month (< 0.05) then normalized at 3 months.
Conclusion Total ratings for sinonasal QOL shows that SNOT scores were comparable between preoperative
and 1-month testing but were improved significantly at 3 months. Individual questions
showed marked improvement in emotional well-being and temporary physiologic changes
after surgery. Our findings give surgeons information about what patients can expect
immediately after transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery.
Keywords
quality of life - sphenoid sinus - pituitary surgery - endoscopy
