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.
Keywords: Acromegaly; endoscopy; growth hormone secreting adenoma; pituitary; trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery.