Pituitary Tumor Surgery

About Pituitary Tumor Surgery

Pituitary tumor surgery removes abnormal growths on the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing structure located at the base of the brain behind the nose, which can cause problems either by producing excess hormones or by pressing on nearby structures such as the optic nerves, leading to vision loss or hormonal imbalance. The most common technique is the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, in which the surgeon reaches the tumor through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus using a thin endoscope with a camera, avoiding any external incision or need to open the skull. This route allows precise visualization of the tumor while sparing the surrounding gland tissue as much as possible. Some larger or more complex tumors may require a combined approach involving both endoscopic and open techniques. After surgery, patients are monitored for hormone levels and may need short-term or long-term hormone replacement therapy depending on how much normal gland tissue remains. Recovery from the endoscopic approach is generally quicker than traditional open surgery, and India's neurosurgical centres are well equipped with the endoscopic and endocrine monitoring facilities this procedure requires.