Tumors in the sellar and supra-sellar region, such as craniopharyngiomas and pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, present significant challenges due to their proximity to critical structures like the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, and optic apparatus. These tumors can profoundly affect endocrine functions, impacting the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. Endonasal endoscopic surgery has become a well-established method for excising these lesions, yet the complexity of these tumors, often extending beyond major arteries, complicates complete resection. Recent advancements in surgical techniques, such as expanded endonasal endoscopic corridors and the use of angled endoscopes, have improved access to these tumors. However, there remains a need for further investigation into the extent of tumor resection and its correlation with post-operative hormonal balance, visual outcomes, and hypothalamic disturbances. Additionally, the challenge of skull base repair in extensive surgeries and the need for customized oncofunctional balance in large functional tumors like acromegaly, Cushing's disease, and prolactinoma highlight the gaps in current research.
This research topic aims to achieve a comprehensive review of the management of pituitary region tumors and their endocrine outcomes. The primary objectives include evaluating operative techniques that safeguard adjacent vessels, the optic apparatus, and hypothalamic areas. The research will also focus on the use of expanded corridors, such as transclival, trans tubercular, trans pterygoid, and trans planum, in resecting multi-compartmental skull base lesions. Furthermore, the study will explore long-term hormone status and quality of life following surgery, providing insights into optimizing surgical and post-operative management strategies.
To gather further insights into the surgical and endocrine management of pituitary region tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches in resecting various pituitary region tumors.
- Comparative analysis of the hormonal status and requirement of long-term replacement following surgery in pituitary region tumors.
- Peri-operative endocrine management of these tumors.
- Techniques for safeguarding critical structures during surgery.
- Long-term quality of life and hormonal outcomes post-surgery.
- Innovations in endoscopic surgical techniques and their impact on tumor resection and patient outcomes.
Keywords: pituitary tumours, craniopharyngioma, acromegaly, cushing's disease, hypopituitarism
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
