Background: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a well-established technique for the treatment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor Preservation of normal gland tissue is crucial to retain effective neuroendocrine pituitary function. The aim of this paper is to analyze pituitary endocrine secretion after EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor to identify potential predictors of functioning gland recovery.
Methods: Patients who underwent an exclusive EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors between October 2014 and November 2019 were reviewed. Patients were divided into groups according to postoperative pituitary function (Group 1, unchanged; group 2, recovering; group 3, worsening).
Results: Among the 45 patients enrolled, 15 presented a silent tumor and showed no hormonal impairment, and 30 patients presented pituitary dysfunction. A total of 19 patients (42.2%) were included in group 1, 12 (26.7%) patients showed pituitary function recovery after surgery (group 2), and 14 patients (31.1%) exhibited the onset of new pituitary deficiency postoperatively (group 3). Younger patients and those with functioning tumor were more likely to have complete pituitary hormonal recovery (p = 0.0297 and p = 0.007, respectively). No predictors of functional gland worsening were identified.
Conclusion: EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor is a reliable and safe technique regarding postoperative hormonal function. Preserving pituitary function after tumor resection should be a primary goal in a minimally invasive approach.
Keywords: endoscopy; hypopituitarism; pituitary disease; pituitary neoplasms; treatment outcome.