Table 2.
Comparison of Baseline Data Points and Postoperative Outcomes at 3 Centers Before and During COVID-19
| Variable | Before Pandemic (n; % or Range) | During Pandemic (n; % or Range) | P Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total patients | 60 | 45 | |
| Preoperative | |||
| Median age (range) | 52.7 (18–84) | 45 (8–82) | 0.08∗ |
| Visual loss | 21 (35) | 32 (71) | <0.01†‡ |
| Anterior pituitary deficiency requiring hydrocortisone | 12 (20) | 12 (27) | 0.49† |
| Posterior pituitary deficiency requiring desmopressin | 1 (2) | 2 (4) | 0.58† |
| Tumor size >1 cm in diameter | 49 (82) | 41 (91) | 0.26† |
| Operative time (minutes) | |||
| Median (range) | 83 (35–200) | 80 (35–302) | 0.28∗ |
| Median TSA (range) | 80 (35–195) | 76 (35–230) | 0.78∗ |
| Median EEA (range) | 151 (83–200) | 259 (137–302) | 0.21∗ |
| Postoperative | |||
| Median length of stay (days; range) | 4 (1–20) | 5 (1–20) | 0.18∗ |
| General complications | 10 (17) | 15 (33) | 0.06† |
| CSF rhinorrhea (biochemically confirmed or requiring surgery) | 3 (5) | 4 (9) | 0.46† |
| CSF rhinorrhea requiring surgery§ | 2 (3) | 3 (7) | 0.65† |
COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; TSA, transsphenoidal approach; EEA, expanded endonasal approach; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid.
∗
Mann-Whitney U test.
†
Fisher's exact test.
‡
Visual loss was a significantly more common complaint for patients presenting during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic.
§
CSF diversion or direct repair.