Exoscopic vs. microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease: a retrospective single-center study on 388 patients

Microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries represent the standard treatment for Cushing's disease (CD). At our institution a new exoscopic approach was implemented. After proof of the general use for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, the aim of this study was to compare the exoscopic 4K3D video microscope with the microscopic transsphenoidal surgery for patients with CD. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 388 patients with CD treated in our medical center via microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (MTS) between January 2008 and July 2019 or via exoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ExTS) between May 2019 and May 2021. Parameters investigated included histology, pre- and postoperative MRI with tumor size, pre- and postoperative ACTH and cortisol levels, duration of surgery, perioperative and postoperative complications as well as clinical outcome. Patients who underwent ExTS in CD experienced a lower incidence of SIADH/diabetes insipidus (p = 0.0164), a higher rate of remission (p = 0.0422), and a shorter duration of surgery (p < 0.0001), compared to MTS. However, there was no significant difference regarding new postoperative pituitary insufficiency and intraoperative CSF space opening. We found that ExTS had multiple benefits compared to MTS for tumor resection in case of CD. These results are in line with our previous publication on the general applicability of an exoscope in pituitary surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study proving the superiority of ExTS in CD. These results are promising, nevertheless further studies comparing exoscopic with the endoscopic approach are necessary to finally evaluate the utility of the new technique.