Pituitary tumor surgery removes a growth at the base of the brain that is usually benign but can press on the optic nerves or release excess hormones. The aim is to remove or shrink the tumor and bring hormonal and visual symptoms under control, and the treating team decides whether surgery suits each case.
Most operations are done under general anesthesia with a thin endoscope passed through the nose and the sphenoid sinus, so there is no cut on the face or skull. Open surgery through the skull is kept for some large or complex tumors. Planning relies on MRI, hormone tests and eye examinations.
The operation usually takes two to four hours, and patients typically stay in hospital for several days while hormones and fluid balance are monitored. Light activity can resume within weeks, and the final effect on hormones and vision is judged over several months with blood tests and scans, followed by long-term review.
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It may relieve pressure on the optic nerves and headaches, can bring excess hormone production under control in some tumor types, and allows the tumor to be diagnosed precisely. The benefit depends on the type and size of the tumor.
It suits people whose tumor affects vision, produces too much hormone or is growing. Some tumors are treated with medication or simply monitored. The decision belongs to the neurosurgery and endocrine team.
Hormone tests, an MRI and eye and visual field tests are carried out. Tell the doctor about all your medicines and do not stop any on your own, including blood thinners and hormone medicines, as that decision is the doctor's. Fasting is required before anesthesia.
The surgeon passes a thin endoscope through the nose into the sphenoid sinus, opens a small window in the bone at the skull base, removes the tumor and then seals the area with tissue or a surgical glue. There is usually no external cut.
Patients stay in hospital for several days so that hormones and fluids can be monitored. A blocked nose and mild headache may last a few weeks, and straining or blowing the nose hard should be avoided. Temporary or lifelong hormone replacement may be needed.
Vision sometimes improves within days to weeks, and the hormone picture becomes clear over weeks to months. Some tumors can return or leave a remnant, so long-term follow-up with MRI and blood tests is needed.
They include cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, bleeding, pituitary hormone deficiency, temporary or permanent diabetes insipidus, and effects on vision. The likelihood varies with tumor type and size, and the team explains it for each case.
One or more hormones may be low because of the tumor or after surgery, so temporary or long-term replacement may be needed. This is why hormones are checked both before and after the operation.
Surgery through the nose usually leaves no external scar. Open surgery, which is uncommon, may leave a scalp scar that hair usually hides.
A stay of roughly ten to fourteen days is usually needed, and it may be longer depending on the condition and test results. The treating doctor decides when you can travel.
