Subtotal Petrosectomy: Pictorial Review of Clinical Indications and Surgical Approach.

Subtotal petrosectomy (STP) is characterized by obliteration of the middle ear and occlusion of the external auditory canal. The advent of the endoscope has allowed a reduction in morbidity for some conditions such as cholesteatoma and other middle ear disorders, but STP still plays an important role. A retrospective review of medical records and videos of patients who had undergone STP was performed. Perioperative data and images were collected from various clinical cases who had undergone subtotal petrosectomy at our tertiary referral university hospital in Verona. We confronted our experience with a review of the literature to present the main indications for this type of procedure. STP allows a variety of diseases to be managed effectively as it offers the possibility of a definitive healing with radical clearance of temporal bone. Moreover, it can be safely combined with other procedures with a very low complication rate. Although the endoscope represents a revolution in ear surgery, STP, when indicated, is nowadays a surgical option that should be included in the otosurgeon's portfolio.

Lipoaspirate Injection in Relapsing Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVES: The management of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) poses a clinical challenge due to high recurrence rates following both endoscopic and open approaches, often leading to tracheostomy. The activation of abnormal T-cells and cytokine pathways has been linked to iSGS pathogenesis. Autologous adipose tissue centrifugation yields lipoaspirate, offering optimal anti-inflammatory effects and biocompatibility widely utilized in various medical settings. This report presents the first 3 cases employing endoscopic dilation (ED) in combination with local lipoaspirate injection to address recurrent iSGS. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted, involving multidisciplinary evaluation by the Tracheal Team at the University of Modena. Patients meeting specific criteria were directed to undergo ED + lipoaspirate injection. RESULTS: Three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean number of prior endoscopic procedures performed was 8. Endoscopic examination revealed 90% stenosis in patient A, 60% stenosis in patient B, and 60% stenosis in patient C. All patients presented inflammatory tissue or incipient granulations at the stenotic site, with an average time of 6 months between previous procedures. After 15 months, none of the patients required further procedures, and endoscopic examination revealed a significant reduction or disappearance of inflammatory tissue with a stable airway lumen. CONCLUSIONS: The observed results are encouraging in terms of reducing local inflammation and halting stenosis progression, especially in cases of short-term relapsing iSGS.

[An atypical medial canthal mass: a case of lacrimal sac inverted papilloma with literature review]. / Atypische Schwellung des medialen Augenwinkels: Fallbericht von einem invertierten Papillom des Tränenapparats und Literaturrecherche.

BACKGROUND: Lacrimal sac localization of an Inverted Papilloma is extremely rare and no risk factors are reported in literature. HISTORY: A chemical trauma was followed by a painless, growing mass in the medial canthal area associated with epiphora. FINDINGS: Rhinoendoscopy, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance showed a well-defined mass in left lacrimal fossa extended to the nasolacrimal duct. TREATMENT: An endoscopic resection and a dacryocystorhinostomy were performed. CONCLUSION: The aim of the present study is to show an atypical presentation of a well-known tumor along with a suspicious risk factor and to lead otolaryngologists to consider an inverted papilloma of the lacrimal system among lesions causing lateral nasal swelling.

Audiovestibular Findings in Patients with Concurrent Superior Canal Dehiscence and Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical-instrumental findings in case of concurrent superior canal dehiscence (SCD) and ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma (VS), aiming to highlight the importance of an extensive instrumental assessment to achieve a correct diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Five patients with concurrent SCD and VS. INTERVENTION: Clinical-instrumental assessment and imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Clinical presentation, audiovestibular findings, and imaging. RESULTS: The chief complaints were hearing loss (HL) and unsteadiness (80%). Other main symptoms included tinnitus (60%) and pressure-induced vertigo (40%). Mixed-HL was identified in three patients and pure sensorineural-HL in 1, including a roll-over curve in speech-audiometry in two cases. Vibration-induced nystagmus was elicited in all cases, whereas vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials showed reduced thresholds and enhanced amplitudes on the affected side in three patients. Ipsilesional weakness on caloric testing was detected in three patients and a bilateral hyporeflexia in one. A global canal impairment was detected by the video-head impulse test in one case, whereas the rest of the cohort exhibited a reduced function for the affected superior canal, together with ipsilateral posterior canal impairment in two cases. All patients performed both temporal bones HRCT scan and brain-MRI showing unilateral SCD and ipsilateral VS, respectively. All patients were submitted to a wait-and-scan approach, requiring VS removal only in one case. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous SCD and VS might result in subtle clinical presentation with puzzling lesion patterns. When unclear symptoms and signs occur, a complete audiovestibular assessment plays a key role to address imaging and diagnosis.

Endoscopic Temporalis Tendon Extension (ETTE).

Many techniques have been proposed to restore facial symmetry in facial nerve palsies. This study presents our surgical approach called Endoscopic Temporalis Tendon Extension (ETTE). After nasotracheal intubation, a 4 cm skin incision is made at the nasolabial fold. Under endoscopic view, the medial face of the masseter muscle is detached from the mandibular ramus. The coronoid process is then sectioned by Piezosurgery®. Finally, a fascia lata graft is suspended between the temporalis tendon and the orbicularis oris. ETTE is a mixed technique, with a static suspension component and a dynamic contraction one. The preservation of the temporalis muscle insertion in temporal fossa allows for an optimal contraction. A fascia lata graft is necessary for reasons of length. The scar produced by the nasolabial incision allows to recreate the missing nasolabial fold. The endoscopic assistance provides greater precision during the procedure and entails a shorter learning curve.

Endoscopic Findings on Facial Nerve Anatomy During Exclusive Endoscopic Stapedotomy: Clinical Considerations and Impact on Surgical Results.

BACKGROUND: Variations along the facial nerve (FN) course present considerable challenges in the surgical treatment of otosclerosis, often complicating the procedure. Existing knowledge of its tympanic tract and its implications primarily comes from microscopical procedures. This study aims to assess endoscopic findings of FN anatomy in a healthy tympanic cavity and its impact on the stapedotomy procedure, focusing on the risk of complications and functional hearing outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study on exclusive endoscopic stapedotoplasties between October 2014 and October 2021 at our Otorhinolaryngology University Department was carried out. An evaluation of intraoperative endoscopic findings reviewed in surgical descriptive and/or video records was conducted to assess their potential negative impact on the surgery. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven subjects were included. A FN partially overhanging the oval window was observed in 7.3% (n=12): 10 prolapsing with bony canal dehiscence and 2 without any detected dehiscence. Each procedure was successfully completed without any issues related to the anomalous anatomy, and in no case, switching to the microscope for the handling of the prosthesis near the dehiscent nerve was required. No facial paralysis occurred, with an early- or long-term postoperative House-Brackman grade of 1 (n=157, 100%). Only 3/157 patients (1.9%) showed a sensorineural threshold reduction of ≥20 dB HL, but a significant air-bone gap improvement was observed (mean closure of 18.36 dB HL, P -lt; .0001). CONCLUSION: The endoscope promotes a concrete description of tympanic FN anatomy, and endoscopic stapes surgery appears to be a safe and viable option when dehiscent or prolapsed FNs reduce the footplate's exposure.

Multifocal Giant Cell Tumor of the Nasal Fossa: Case Report and Literature Review.

Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are rare soft tissue tumors, that account for 3%-5% of primary bone tumors with <2% occurring in the head and neck. The nasal cavity is a highly unusual site of presentation. We reviewed 15 cases of GCT of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. We add 1 case to the literature. The case herein reported, appears to be the second nasal fossa GCT described in the literature and the first documented case with multifocal localization. A case of multifocal GCT of the nasal cavity is described. Although rare in the general population, GCT should be included among the possibilities in the differential diagnosis when evaluating tumors of the head and neck. Management of this particular tumor remains challenging; surgical removal is still the gold standard treatment, preferring a minimally invasive trans-nasal approach to reduce intra and post-operative morbidity. Laryngoscope, 2023.

A Retrospective Multicenter Italian Analysis of Epidemiological, Clinical and Histopathological Features in a Sample of Patients with Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland.

BACKGROUND: The acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the parotid gland is a rare tumor with an indolent behavior; however, a subgroup of this tumor presents an aggressive behavior with a tendency to recur. The aim of this multicenter study was to identify and stratify those patients with AciCC at high risk of tumor recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out involving 77 patients treated with surgery between January 2000 and September 2022, in different Italian referral centers. Data about tumor characteristics and its recurrence were collected. The histological specimens and slides were independently reviewed by a senior pathologist coordinator (L.C.) and the institution's local head and neck pathologist. RESULTS: The patients' age average was 53.6 years, with a female prevalence in the group. The mean follow-up was 67.4 months (1-258, SD 59.39). The five-year overall survival (OS) was 83.2%. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 60% (95% CI 58.2-61.7). A high incidence of necrosis, extraglandular spread, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), atypical mitosis, and cellular pleomorphism was observed in the high-risk tumors compared to the low-risk ones. CONCLUSION: AciCC generally had an indolent behavior, optimal OS, DFS with few cervical node metastases, and rare distant relapses. This multicenter retrospective case series provides evidence of the need for clinical-epidemiological-histological stratification for patients at risk of poor outcomes. Our results suggest that the correct definition of high-risk AciCC should include tumor size, the presence of necrosis, extraglandular spread, LVI, atypical mitosis, and cellular pleomorphism.

Endoscopic approach to geniculate ganglion: a multicentric experience.

PURPOSE: A variety of lesions could arise from the GG area, or extend into this region from adjacent sites. The management of perigeniculate lesions includes observation, surgery, and radiation, according to the nature, the size of the lesion, and the accompanying symptoms. Preliminary experiences on the exclusive transcanal endoscopic approach to the GG area have shown safety and feasibility avoiding of any postauricular incision, or brain manipulation. The experience from two referral centers on patients treated for a GG lesion with a totally endoscopic approach is herein reported. METHODS: Data about patients who underwent exclusive endoscopic approach to the GG area at the Otolaryngology Departments of the University Hospitals of Modena and Bologna between May 2017 and February 2022 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The total number of patients included in our study was 11. 10 patients (91%) had progressive unilateral facial paralysis and 1 patient (11%) presented with chronic otorrhea. The mean largest diameter of the treated lesions was of 8 mm. The resection was extended to the fundus of the IAC in 2 patients (expanded approach). The remaining 9 patients (82%) underwent partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). No major complications occurred. Facial nerve outcomes were good in all patients and the mean ABG worsened from 12 dB pre-operatively to 22 dB post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusively endoscopic approach to GG lesions represents a viable alternative to traditional microscopic approaches and may be included in the armamentarium of ear surgeons.

An Endoscopic Procedure for the Simultaneous Treatment of both Otosclerosis and Malleus Fixation.

To report the case of the simultaneous treatment of otosclerosis and malleus fixation through an entirely endoscopic transcanal approach. A targeted transcanalar epitympanotomy with annular bony ridge conservation was planned preoperatively, with 3D CT localization of the fixed part of the malleus head. The upper part of the malleus head and the superior ossified ligament of the malleus were drilled. A 0.6 mm stapedotomy was performed and a piston inserted. The patient's recovery was uneventful, with closure of the air-bone gap on her postoperative audiogram, associated with an overclosure in 500Hz, 1kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. Laryngoscope, 2023.

Influence of Prior Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Extent on Dupilumab Effectiveness in CRSwNP Patients.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend that the vast majority of patients with severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) should have at least one endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) prior to starting biologics. Because ESS can be performed with a variable extension, the aim of this study would be to evaluate the association between surgical extensiveness, as measured by ACCESS score, and outcomes collected in patients treated with Dupilumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicentric retrospective study; patients affected by CRSwNP who were subjected to Dupilumab therapy and who underwent at least one ESS prior to Dupilumab initiation were included. ACCESS score was assigned to each patient's pre-Dupilumab CT scan. Subjective and objective parameters (SNOT-22, NPS, VAS scores, Sniffin' Sticks) were collected before and during the administration of therapy. Statistical correlations between ACCESS scores and clinical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included; mean time from last previous ESS was 68.6 months, and on average, patients were subjected to 2.2 surgeries. Many correlations with ACCESS scores were demonstrated: better NPS at all timepoints and subjective scores (30-days SNOT-22, VAS nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea) were achieved in patients with low ACCESS score (more extensive ESS). On the other hand, significantly worse VAS loss of smell values were demonstrated in patients with lower ACCESS scores. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab patients subjected to a prior extensive ESS may have reduced size of polyps and improved subjective indicators, together with a decreased chance to recover smell, when compared with patients who underwent a minimal excision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Pericranial Flap-Based Multilayer Reconstruction of Endoscopic Transcribriform Craniectomy for Sinonasal Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion of endoscopic techniques for the resection of ethmoid bone malignancies through a transcribriform approach (TA) has raised new challenges regarding reconstruction options to reduce post-operative complications. Although there is consensus on the advantages of vascularized flaps over free grafts for large defects, no standard protocol exists on reconstruction procedures. In addition, although the pedicled nasoseptal flap has been extensively discussed, few studies have been published on extranasal pedicled flaps. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a detailed description of a reconstruction technique for large anterior skull base defects with the pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction. Moreover, patients treated with this approach were retrospectively assessed for post-operative complications. METHODS: A detailed description of the reconstruction procedure as performed in our departments is provided. Pictures depicting the main surgical steps are also included. In addition, preliminary functional results from a retrospective series of patients who underwent a TA and subsequent pericranial flap-based multilayer reconstruction for ethmoid roof malignancies between 2016 and 2022 at two institutional centers are reported. RESULTS: 16 patients were included in the study. Nine patients (56.3%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Two patients had a biochemically-confirmed postoperative CSF leak. Only one of the two patients required surgical revision. During follow-up (mean 13 months), no other early nor delayed complications were observed. CONCLUSION: A standardized surgical technique with pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction for large anterior skull base defects following resection of sinonasal malignancies is proposed, which appears to be a safe choice when endonasal flaps are not available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2942-2947, 2023.

Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Targets of Primitive Tracheal Tumors: Focus on Tumors Derived by Salivary Glands and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Primary tracheal tumors are rare, constituting approximately 0.1-0.4% of malignant diseases. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) account for about two-thirds of these tumors. Despite most primary tracheal cancers being eligible for surgery and/or radiotherapy, unresectable, recurrent and metastatic tumors may require systemic treatments. Unfortunately, the poor response to available chemotherapy as well as the lack of other real therapeutic alternatives affects the quality of life and outcome of patients suffering from more advanced disease. In this condition, target therapy against driver mutations could constitute an alternative to chemotherapy, and may help in disease control. The past two decades have seen extraordinary progress in developing novel target treatment options, shifting the treatment paradigm for several cancers such as lung cancer. The improvement of knowledge regarding the genetic and biological alterations, of major primary tracheal tumors, has opened up new treatment perspectives, suggesting the possible role of biological targeted therapies for the treatment of these rare tumors. The purpose of this review is to outline the state of knowledge regarding the molecular biology, and the preliminary data on target treatments of the main primary tracheal tumors, focusing on salivary-gland-derived cancers and squamous cell carcinoma.

Exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty with autologous material: step-by-step procedure and functional results.

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical procedure of exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty (EEO) with autologous grafts and evaluate audiological results, focusing on the advantages or drawbacks compared to the corresponding microscopic technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive adult and pediatric patients affected by chronic otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma who underwent EEO was conducted. Only autologous ossiculoplasty was included in the study. The procedure was performed by experienced surgeons of our institution between November 2014 and September 2019. Hearing outcomes were evaluated using postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and success rates in different subgroups of patients and different types of ossiculoplasty (OPL) were analyzed. Our results were finally compared with the existing literature regarding both microscopic and endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction. RESULTS: In total, 74 endoscopic ossicular chain repair procedures performed within the study period met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 were pediatric patients (28%) and 53 were adults (72%). Surgical reconstruction procedures included 43 partial ossicular reconstructions (POR) and 31 total ossicular reconstructions (TOR). The postoperative ABG improved significantly compared to preoperative measurements, and the mean ABG closure was 7.85 dB HL (p = 0.00064). No statistically significant differences in audiological outcomes between TOR/POR techniques and pediatric/adult groups were found in our study cohort, with p values of 0.10 and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At present, EEO can be considered a valid surgical option for re-establishing a functioning ossicular chain with acceptable hearing restoration in children and adults. Further reports in wider case series are required to confirm these results.

Cadaver Homologous Banked Fascia Lata in Skull Base Reconstruction: Preliminary Multidisciplinary Experiences.

Skull base reconstruction has been a widely debated issue. Both autologous and heterologous materials have been proposed, however the formers are usually preferred due to their optimal healing outcomes and integration. Nevertheless they are still associated with donor-site functional and aesthetic morbidity. The aim of this study is to report a preliminary experience of different sites defects skull base repair with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata graft. Patients who underwent reconstruction of skull base defects with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata between January 2020 until July 2021 were included in the study. Three patients were finally identified for the study. Patient 1 underwent combined craniotomic-endoscopic surgical access for extended anterior skull base neoplasm with subsequent repair with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 2 underwent endoscopic transphenoidal surgery for sellar-parasellar neoplasm. After tumor debulking the surgical cavity was obliterated with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 3 finally had politrauma with otic capsule-violating fracture with profused CSF leak. An endoscopic obliteration of external and middle ear was performed using homologous cadaver fascia lata with blind sac closure of external auditory canal. No graft displacement or reabsorption was observed in these patients at the last follow-up. Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata has proved safety, efficacy and ductility in reconstruction of different skull base defects. Level of Evidence: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.

Case report: Endoscopic closure with double stenting and autologous fascia lata graft of large tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Introduction: Radiotherapy and esophageal stenting are usually employed to manage esophageal localization of distant cancer. However, they are also related to the occurrence of an increased risk of tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheoesophageal fistula management in these patients involves dealing with poor general conditions and short-term prognosis. This paper presents the first case in literature of bronchoscopic fistula closure through an autologous fascia lata graft placement between two stents. Case report and aim: A 67-years-old male patient was diagnosed with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma in the inferior lobe of the left lung with mediastinal lymph node metastasis. After a multidisciplinary discussion, bronchoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with autologous fascia lata was decided without the removal of the esophageal stent due to the high risk on the esophagus possibly related to such a procedure. Oral feeding was progressively introduced without the development of aspiration symptoms. Videofluoroscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed at 7 months showing no signs of tracheoesophageal fistula patency. Conclusion: This technique might represent a low risks viable option for patients unsuitable for open surgical approaches.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Prognostic factors for development of distant metastases and oncological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis (DM) development in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) represents an important prognostic factor. The identification of a phenotype of metastatic patients may better define therapeutic and follow-up programs. METHODS: We included 408 patients with OPSCC, non-metastatic at the time of diagnosis, and treated with curative intent. The Overall Survival (OS) analyses were performed and the impact of developing DM on survival was analyzed through Cox proportional-hazard regression model. RESULTS: 57 (14%) patients develop DM. 302 (74%) were p16+ OPSCC and 35 of them experienced DM. Advanced clinical stage, smoking, p16-status, response to primary treatment, and loco-regional relapse influence the DM rate. Only in the p16+ group, DM onset results in a greater impact on OS (p < 0.0001). Lung metastases have a better OS compared to non-pulmonary ones (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows a possible stratification of OPSCC patients based on the risk of the development of DMs.

Endoscopic transcanal surgery of pars tensa cholesteatoma: Preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is the assessment of exclusive endoscopic ear surgery for the management of primarily acquired pars tensa cholesteatoma, which is commonly linked to the failure of the Eustachian tube leading to the formation of retraction pockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients suffering from primarily acquired pars tensa cholesteatoma, who underwent primary surgery in our clinic, between 2014 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The disease was classified according to the EAONO/JOS system. Exclusive endoscopic ear surgery was performed for patients without mastoid involvement, while a microscopic-endoscopic tympanoplasty was carried out in case of mastoid extension. We assessed the recidivism rate during the follow-up. RESULTS: Cholesteatomas belonged to stage I in 28% of cases, to stage II in 68% and only one patient was stage III. Only a portion of the pars tensa was involved in 13 instances, the whole pars tensa in 3 and both the tensa and the flaccida in 9. 17 out of 25 patients underwent exclusive endoscopic ear surgery and 8 needed a combined approach. We discovered 1 recurrence and 6 residual diseases. CONCLUSIONS: With only one case of recurrence in our series, we showed how pars tensa cholesteatoma cannot be exclusively explained through Eustachian tube dysfunction, but also through a ventilation blockage between the Eustachian tube and other mesotympanic areas due to the formation of intratympanic folds. Endoscopic ear surgery proved highly effective in the control of recurrences and it should be considered the treatment of choice.

Clinical consensus guideline on the management of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma in patients harbouring germline SDHD pathogenic variants.

Patients with germline SDHD pathogenic variants (encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunit D; ie, paraganglioma 1 syndrome) are predominantly affected by head and neck paragangliomas, which, in almost 20% of patients, might coexist with paragangliomas arising from other locations (eg, adrenal medulla, para-aortic, cardiac or thoracic, and pelvic). Given the higher risk of tumour multifocality and bilaterality for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) because of SDHD pathogenic variants than for their sporadic and other genotypic counterparts, the management of patients with SDHD PPGLs is clinically complex in terms of imaging, treatment, and management options. Furthermore, locally aggressive disease can be discovered at a young age or late in the disease course, which presents challenges in balancing surgical intervention with various medical and radiotherapeutic approaches. The axiom-first, do no harm-should always be considered and an initial period of observation (ie, watchful waiting) is often appropriate to characterise tumour behaviour in patients with these pathogenic variants. These patients should be referred to specialised high-volume medical centres. This consensus guideline aims to help physicians with the clinical decision-making process when caring for patients with SDHD PPGLs.

Functioning Endocrine Outcome after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsellar Approach for Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a well-established technique for the treatment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumor Preservation of normal gland tissue is crucial to retain effective neuroendocrine pituitary function. The aim of this paper is to analyze pituitary endocrine secretion after EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor to identify potential predictors of functioning gland recovery. METHODS: Patients who underwent an exclusive EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors between October 2014 and November 2019 were reviewed. Patients were divided into groups according to postoperative pituitary function (Group 1, unchanged; group 2, recovering; group 3, worsening). RESULTS: Among the 45 patients enrolled, 15 presented a silent tumor and showed no hormonal impairment, and 30 patients presented pituitary dysfunction. A total of 19 patients (42.2%) were included in group 1, 12 (26.7%) patients showed pituitary function recovery after surgery (group 2), and 14 patients (31.1%) exhibited the onset of new pituitary deficiency postoperatively (group 3). Younger patients and those with functioning tumor were more likely to have complete pituitary hormonal recovery (p = 0.0297 and p = 0.007, respectively). No predictors of functional gland worsening were identified. CONCLUSION: EEA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor is a reliable and safe technique regarding postoperative hormonal function. Preserving pituitary function after tumor resection should be a primary goal in a minimally invasive approach.