[Anterior interhemispheric approach for giant sellar region tumors in a series of 110 consecutive patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the techniques and efficacies of surgical resection of giant sellar region tumors via anterior interhemispheric approach.

METHODS: A series of 110 consecutive cases of giant sellar region tumors undergoing microsurgery through an anterior interhemispheric approach at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Their mean age was 35.6 (3-72) years. There were craniopharyngioma (n = 57), pituitary adenoma (n = 33), hypothalamic glioma (n = 5), meningioma (n = 4) and other lesions (n = 11). The maximal tumor diameter varied from 4.0 to 8.2 cm with a mean diameter of 4.8 cm. Active measurements were taken for managing blood sodium disorder and diabetes insipidus. During the follow-ups, the patients were monitored for residual or recurrent tumor by hormonal assessment (in cases of functioning adenomas) and postoperative contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 1-3 months after surgery.

RESULTS: Total lesion removal was achieved in 76 cases (69.1%). Twenty patients (18.2%) underwent subtotal resection and 14 (12.7%) had partial removal. No surgery-related mortality occurred. Visual acuity was preserved or improved in 97 patients (88.2%) within 1 week after surgery. The major postoperative complications included diabetes insipidus (n = 76, 69.1%), permanent diabetes insipidus (n = 23, 20.9%), electrolyte disorder (n = 62, 56.4%), seizures (n = 7, 6.4%), brain damage (3 cerebral contusions and 5 hematomas) (n = 8, 7.3%) and infarction(n = 2, 1.8%). During a median post-surgical follow-up period of 26 (3-96) months, 11 patients had recurrence. And 35 cases (31.8%) of endocrinological deficit received hormonal replacement after surgery.

CONCLUSION: The interhemispheric approach is feasible for removing giant sellar region tumors without significant sequels. Active postoperative managements of diabetes insipidus and electrolyte disorder may accelerate early patient recovery.