BACKGROUND Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is the first-line treatment for growth hormone-secreting adenomas. OBJECTIVE To analyse the results of the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach for acromegaly and to determine the predictive factors… Click to show full abstract
BACKGROUND Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is the first-line treatment for growth hormone-secreting adenomas. OBJECTIVE To analyse the results of the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach for acromegaly and to determine the predictive factors of remission. METHODS A single-centre retrospective review was performed in patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly between January 2009 and January 2019. Demographic features, clinical presentation, histopathology records, complications and pre- and postoperative radiologic and endocrinological assessments were evaluated. The factors that influenced the remission rates were investigated. RESULTS A total of 73 patients underwent surgery via the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. Cavernous sinus invasion was detected in 32 patients (43.8%); and macroadenoma, in 57 (78%). The pathology specimens of the 27 patients (36.9%) showed dual-staining adenomas with prolactin. A total of 51 patients (69.8%) attained biochemical remission 1 year after surgery. A second operation was performed in 10 patients (13.6%) with residual tumours without biochemical remission in the first year. Six (60%) of the patients attained remission at the last follow-up. Transient diabetes insipidus was observed in 18 patients (24.6%); and rhinorrhoea, which was resolved with conservative treatment, in 4 (5.4%). None of the patients developed panhypopituitarism. The presence of cavernous sinus invasion and preoperative IGF-1, immediate postoperative GH and third-month IGF-1 levels were predictive of remission. CONCLUSION Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for acromegaly. Reoperation should be considered in patients with residual tumours without remission.
               
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