Multi‐institutional Analysis of Endoscopic Sellar Surgical Volumes During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to quantify trends in operative volumes and complications of endoscopic sellar surgery before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic onset.Study DesignWe performed a retrospective analysis.SettingTriNetX database analysis.MethodsAll adults undergoing neuroendoscopy for resection of pituitary tumor (Current Procedural Terminology code 62165) with diagnosis of benign/malignant neoplasm of pituitary gland (D35.2/C75.1) or benign/malignant neoplasm of craniopharyngeal duct (D35.3/C75.2) were included using the TriNetX database for 2 years before (pre‐COVID group) and 2 years after (post‐COVID group) February 17, 2020.ResultsA total of 1238 patients in the pre‐COVID group and 1186 patients in the post‐COVID group were compared. Age, gender, and race were statistically similar between the groups (P > .05). Surgical volume decreased by 6% in the post‐COVID group. In 2020 Q2, operative volume decreased by 19%, and in 2021 Q4 (peak COVID‐19 caseload in the United States), operative volumes decreased by 29% compared to 2 years prior. Postoperative complications including meningitis (P = .49), cerebrospinal fluid leak (P = .36), visual field deficits (P = .07), postoperative pneumonia or respiratory failure (P = .42), and 30‐day readmission rates (P = .89) were similar between the 2 groups.ConclusionOverall, endoscopic sellar surgery may continue to fluctuate with increased COVID‐19 outbreaks. Patient outcomes do not appear to be worsened by decreased operative volumes or delays in nonurgent surgeries.