Long-term olfactory function outcomes after pituitary surgery by endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Pituitary surgery is a common procedure for various pituitary gland tumors.
• Olfactory dysfunction is a potential complication following pituitary surgery.
• The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) is a minimally invasive technique for pituitary surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term olfactory outcomes after pituitary surgery performed via the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA).
• To assess the impact of EETSA on olfactory function using the T&T olfactometer.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 26 patients who underwent pituitary surgery via EETSA.
• Olfactory function assessed using T&T olfactometer pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively.
• Subgroup analysis based on age, sex, surgical history, histopathology, reconstruction, and turbinate management.

Main Results:

• Overall, mean recognition threshold values significantly improved post-surgery (P=0.01).
• 88% of patients experienced improved or maintained olfactory function.
• No significant differences in olfactory outcomes were observed across subgroups, though revision surgery trended towards worse outcomes (P=0.06).

Conclusions:

• EETSA is associated with favorable long-term olfactory outcomes in the majority of patients.
• The low invasiveness of EETSA contributes to preserved olfactory function.
• Patients should be counseled regarding the potential risk of postoperative olfactory dysfunction.