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Published on: January 17, 2018
Microsurgical Management of Pineal Region Tumors
Xiaoyu Ji1, Kai Zhang2, Tong Wang1
1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Background:
Pineal tumors are rare, and the pineal region is a challenging surgical location for neurosurgeons. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microsurgical management in patients with pineal region tumors and explore probable factors associated with preoperative hydrocephalus, postoperative hydrocephalus remission, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LoS).
Methods:
A retrospective study of patients with pineal region tumors who underwent microsurgical management at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Jiangsu, China) between 1 January 2010 and 31 October 2022 was conducted.
Results:
Data from 36 patients were included in this study. The top 5 common symptoms included headache (58%), dizziness (44%), double vision (22%), vomiting (19%), and nausea (14%). Patients with a lower Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), younger age, and larger maximum tumor diameters were more vulnerable to preoperative hydrocephalus. Preoperative hydrocephalus also led to a prolonged postoperative LoS (P = 0.021). Patients with a lower KPS score (P = 0.020) or larger maximum tumor diameters (P = 0.045) were more likely to achieve postoperative remission of hydrocephalus. Most postoperative complications led to increased hospital LoS.
Conclusions:
Microsurgical resection of pineal tumors yielded favorable long-term outcomes. Patients with a lower KPS score, younger age, and larger maximum tumor diameters were more vulnerable to preoperative hydrocephalus and prolonged LoS. Patients with a lower KPS score or larger tumor diameter were likely to achieve significant remission of hydrocephalus after tumor resection.
Insights
Microsurgical management of pineal tumors offers good outcomes. Factors like lower KPS score, younger age, and larger tumor size influence hydrocephalus and hospital stay after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Pineal tumors are rare and surgically challenging.
- The pineal region presents unique difficulties for neurosurgeons.
- Understanding outcomes of microsurgical management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate microsurgical management of pineal region tumors.
- To identify factors predicting preoperative hydrocephalus.
- To explore predictors of postoperative hydrocephalus remission and prolonged hospital stay.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 36 patients with pineal region tumors.
- Microsurgical management performed at a single institution.
- Analysis of clinical data, including symptoms, KPS, tumor size, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Headache and dizziness were common symptoms.
- Lower Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), younger age, and larger tumor diameter correlated with preoperative hydrocephalus.
- Preoperative hydrocephalus and lower KPS score were linked to prolonged hospital stay.
- Lower KPS score and larger tumor diameter predicted better postoperative hydrocephalus remission.
Conclusions:
- Microsurgical resection of pineal tumors leads to favorable long-term results.
- Patient factors like KPS, age, and tumor size impact hydrocephalus development and hospital stay.
- Effective hydrocephalus remission is achievable with microsurgical intervention, particularly in patients with specific characteristics.
