Endoscopic resection of supergiant pituitary adenoma

Giant pituitary adenomas are a rare finding and the literature is inconclusive regarding the most appropriate approach. In supergiant adenomas, where the size of the tumor is exceptional, both a combine approach versus a solely transcranial or endoscopic approach have been reported.[2,3,5].

In this video, an entirely endoscopic resection of a supergiant pituitary adenoma is demonstrated. The exceptional size (4.5 × 5.8 × 5.4 cm) of the tumor and the peculiarity of the anatomical relations are documented in the video. The anterior cerebral arteries, both the A1 and A2 tracts, as well as the anterior communicating arteries are shown to be posteriorly dislocated and encased by the tumor which is pealed from the arteries themselves. Furthermore, the optic nerves are decompressed and cleaned from any residual tumor. The procedure is highly technically challenging since the furthermost part of the adenoma is also the one attached to the great intracranial arteries. A 45 optic and angle instruments were used for the major part of the surgery. Considering the high risk of postoperative CSF leak, a multilayer closure with nasoseptal flap was chosen. The postoperative MRI showed a gross total resection of the lesion in the absence of any complications and no new neurological nor endocrinological deficit appeared.

Expanded endoscopic endonasal approach could represent a valuable way to face giant adenoma, providing a direct corridor toward the lesion and safe control of both the chiasmatic vasculature and the anterior communicating artery complex. Multilayer reconstruction is mandatory to avoid postoperative CSF leak.[1,4].