Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Removal

In a traditional craniotomy, the surgeon opens the skull. This is avoided with a transsphenoidal surgery.

The neurosurgeon removes the tumor via the nasal passages and the sphenoid sinus. Then they can gain access to the pituitary gland from beneath the brain, to avoid important brain structures.

First, the neurosurgeon makes a small incision in the back wall of the nasal passages. This allows them to enter the sphenoid sinus. Next, he opens up the sella turcica, the bony cavity containing the pituitary gland.

Endoscopes, thin tubes with cameras at the tip, allow surgeons to see through a small incision and view the magnified operating site on a TV screen. This allows them to locate and remove the tumor.

Transsphenoidal surgery is also associated with a shorter recovery period, and leaves no scar.

Patients are usually able to go home from the hospital within one day after surgery. Nearly all patients are able to go home within two days. If a patient is severely debilitated as a result of their tumor, they may need to stay in the hospital for a third day, though this is rare.