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Brain

Return to Work Rates and Factors Influencing Recovery After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Fukuoka, Japan, investigated the return-to-work (RTW) rates and associated factors following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS) among patients with pituitary and hypothalamic tumors in Japan. The study aimed to determine the variables affecting early RTW post-surgery. The researchers analyzed 44 preoperatively employed patients who underwent eTSS at a single center between April 2018 and January 2025. The results showed that the median time to RTW was 5 weeks, with RTW rates of 38.6%, 69.5%, and 75.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, with an overall RTW rate of 84.1%. The study found that factors such as a prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), mental disorders, and the absence of prior TSS were significantly linked to delayed RTW at 3 months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the median time to return-to-work (RTW) was 5 weeks after surgery, with RTW rates of 38.6%, 69.5%, and 75.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively.
  • Factors such as prolonged hospital stay, mental disorders, and absence of prior surgery were significantly linked to delayed RTW at 3 months.
  • Mental disorders also tended to decrease RTW at 6 months.
  • No significant associations were found between adequate hormone replacement and age, sex, tumor type, or endocrinological dysfunction.
  • Patients receiving multidisciplinary support for RTW tended to experience longer recovery periods.

Statistics:

  • Median time to RTW was 5 weeks.
  • RTW rates were 38.6%, 69.5%, and 75.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively.
  • Overall RTW rate was 84.1%.
  • 44 patients were analyzed in the study.
  • 38.6% of patients returned to work at 1 month.
  • 69.5% of patients returned to work at 3 months.
  • 75.0% of patients returned to work at 6 months.

Sources:

  • Research article: Return to work and factors influencing recovery after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for hypothalamic and pituitary tumors. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35104.
  • University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Neurosurgery, Kitakyushu, Japan.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany (publisher of Scientific Reports).

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