Endoscopic Pituitary Surgeries

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Endoscopic pituitary surgery is a procedure for removal of pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland is located at the bottom of your brain and above the nose. The Endoscopic pituitary surgery is also known as transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery. Transsphenoidal means through the sphenoidal sinus. The head has normal air sinuses which are bony space filled with air and hence these spaces form a corridor for brain surgeries. This surgery is done with the help of an endoscope, a thin, rigid tube with a microscope, light, and camera built into it. The camera in the endoscope lets the surgeon see the exact position where the tumor is present. In this surgical procedure, rather than opening up the skull, the endoscopic surgeon reaches the tumor through the nasal passage and the sphenoid sinus. It is a less-invasive procedure that allows the neurosurgeon to avoid important brain structures. There is no visible scar left, which minimizes the risks of complications, and facilities fast healing.

Need for Endoscopic Pituitary surgery

Endoscopic Pituitary gland tumor surgery is done to treat certain tumors that grow in the pituitary gland. Some of such tumors are-
Hormone-secreting tumor
The growth of such tumors secretes hormones that travel through the blood.
Nonhormone-secreting tumors
They are also known as endocrine inactive pituitary adenomas and are treated by surgery as their growth can lead to headaches and visual disturbances.

Risks of Endoscopic Pituitary surgery

Endoscopic pituitary gland tumor surgery is a safe procedure but like all other surgical procedures, it has some risks and complications which may include-
  • CSF rhinorrhea
  • Meningitis
  • Damage to normal parts of the pituitary gland
  • Diabetes insipidus
  • Severe bleeding
  • Visual problems
There can be other risks depending on the specific medical condition of the patient and should be discussed with the doctor.

Post operative recovery:

After the surgery, the patient is advised to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days under observation and the post-operation care involves-
  • Medications to control headaches
  • regular monitoring of salt and water level in the blood and urine.
  • Urinary catheter is required to monitor the urine output and diagnosing diabetes insipidus for around 1-3 days
  • MRI scan may be required to look for the extent of tumor resection.
  • Regular eye and vision examination.

If you have been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, then get a second opinion  from another Neurosurgeon in Dubai to understand the risks associated with such surgeries and to learn about expected post operative outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Endoscopic transnasal surgery accesses the pituitary tumour through the nostrils using a thin endoscope and specialized instrumentscompletely avoiding facial incisions. Traditional surgery required opening the skull (craniotomy). The endoscopic approach offers better visualization, less trauma, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.

Endoscopic pituitary surgery typically takes 2–4 hours. Hospital stay is 2–4 days. Patients can usually return to desk work within 2 weeks and full physical activity within 4–6 weeks. Hormonal testing is repeated post-operatively to assess whether the tumour has been fully removed.

Risks include CSF leak, hormonal imbalance, vision changes, and infection. Dr. Rajeswaran minimizes these through meticulous surgical technique, intraoperative endoscopy, and working closely with endocrinologists for perioperative hormonal management. The risk of major complications is low in experienced hands.