Quality of life and olfactory function after suprasellar craniopharyngioma surgery—a single-center experience comparing transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approaches

Abstract

The endoscopic endonasal approach to suprasellar craniopharyngiomas has become popular as alternative to transcranial approaches. However, the literature lacks data regarding quality of life and olfactory function. The assessment of the long-term quality of life and olfactory function of all patients harboring a suprasellar craniopharyngioma who underwent surgery in our department has been done. Patient characteristics and perioperative data were gathered in a prospectively maintained database. At the last follow-up visit, the olfactory function and the quality of life (ASBQ, SNOT-22) as well as visual and pituitary function were assessed. Thirteen and 17 patients underwent surgery via a transcranial (T) and endonasal (E) route, respectively. No differences were seen in ASBQ, SNOT-22, and olfactory function between T and E, but in E were more full-time worker and less obesity. CSF leaks occurred in 15% of T and 29% of E (p = 0.43). Patients from group E had a superior visual outcome which was most pronounced in the visual field. The degree of new anterior and posterior pituitary gland deficiency after surgery and in the follow-up was lower in group E. The general and sinonasal quality of life and the olfactory function are equal in E and T. E is associated with a superior visual outcome, lower rates of diabetes insipidus, and lower rates of obesity, but has a higher risk for postoperative CSF leaks.

Craniopharyngioma resection by endoscopic endonasal approach versus transcranial approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

“…The full-text articles of these 23 studies were then obtained. We excluded 15 studies including systematic reviews (n = 9), those with irrelevant outcomes (n = 3), and non-comparative studies (n = 3), leaving eight studies (376 patients) to be included in the final meta-analysis ( 3 , 4 , 16 – 21 ).…”

“…Using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies system, the eight OS showed a low risk of bias in intervention measurement and blinding of outcome assessment and a high risk of bias in the selection of participants and confounding variables ( Supplementary Figure S2A ). Incomplete outcome data and selective outcome reporting were high risks of bias in two ( 20 , 21 ) and four studies ( Supplementary Figure S2B ) ( 4 , 16 , 20 , 21 ), respectively.…”

Coping strategies in patients undergoing surgery treatment for pituitary tumour in China: A cross‐sectional survey

“…Awareness of these problems by the medical staff and family members may benefit the long‐term follow‐up and prognosis and should take it into mind when discussing treatment options and long‐term outcome with patients (Zhu et al, 2021 ). Psychological comfort, social support and effective rehabilitation guidance, detailed health education should be resorted to reduce the physical and psychological burden of patients with pituitary tumours (Dolci et al, 2021 ; Marx et al, 2021 ), and it is recognized that overwhelmingly avoided, resignated coping may make a negative impact on the disease, while appropriately guiding patients to take more active coping strategies are necessary.…”

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of recurrent craniopharyngioma

“…[ 20 – 23 ] In recent years, with the continuous application and development of EEA in craniopharyngioma patients, it has gradually replaced traditional craniotomy and is highly praised for its unique advantages such as less trauma and fewer postoperative complications. [ 24 – 27 ] Recurrent craniopharyngioma further increases the difficulty of surgery due to scar and adhesion after the previous operation, and the optimal surgical method is still controversial. EEA may be an effective and safe treatment method.…”