Pituitary tumors grow in the pituitary gland, a small gland behind the nose and underneath the brain. The pituitary gland plays a large role in stabilizing the hormones that control metabolism, growth, blood pressure, reproduction and many other essential processes.

Pituitary tumors can cause compression on the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for taking the images you see to the brain so that you can process visual information. If left untreated, these tumors can lead to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent blindness.

Pituitary Surgery: Why Choose Memorial Healthcare System?

Pituitary Tumor Surgery Overview

While most pituitary tumors are noncancerous, they can cause problems. These growths can cause hormonal changes that affect the thyroid and growth hormones. Patients with pituitary tumors might experience:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Weight changes
• Loss of peripheral vision

Pituitary surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. Minimally invasive surgery enables our neurosurgeons to perform surgery without making an incision in the patient’s skull or nose.

We can perform pituitary surgery with a surgical microscope or with an endoscope (flexible, lighted tube) and camera. By using the surgical microscope, we can treat patients much faster, saving crucial time in the event of an emergency. In non-urgent situations, we may use the endoscope and camera instead.

Surgery Through the Nose: What to Expect

In the past, pituitary surgery required large incisions so that the surgeon could see inside the body. Now, we use high-tech cameras inserted through the nose to project internal images onto a large screen to guide your surgeon.

With this approach, surgeons can zoom in and perform the surgery with greater precision. Patients also experience significant benefits from minimally invasive surgery, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less blood loss
• Faster recovery
• Reduced pain