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Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
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Cognitive function surrounding resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension: A
Philipp Hendrix1, Christoph J Griessenauer2, Elisa Hans1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Saarland University Medical Center and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Summary
Cognitive impairments in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas and suprasellar extension resolve within two months after surgery. Surgical resection of these tumors appears to carry a low risk of cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropsychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension can cause cognitive dysfunction.
- Surgical resection is common for symptomatic tumors.
- Limited data exists on neurocognitive outcomes after surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive performance before and after surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension.
- To compare patient outcomes to a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective matched-control study.
- Neurocognitive testing battery including memory, executive function, and processing speed.
- Matched controls for age, sex, education, and profession.
Main Results:
- Patients showed preoperative deficits in perceptual speed and short-term memory.
- Short-term memory improved within one week post-surgery.
- Perceptual speed normalized within two months.
- No patients experienced cognitive worsening; no complications noted at six months.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative cognitive impairments in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas and suprasellar extension are common.
- These deficits resolve within two months after surgical intervention.
- Surgical risk for cognitive deterioration is low.
