The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a crucial structure in the endocrine system located at the base of the brain, just behind the nose.
Despite its small size, this gland plays a fundamental role in regulating various bodily functions such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. However, problems in this gland can sometimes arise requiring medical intervention, and this is where pituitary surgery becomes important.
When is pituitary surgery performed?
Pituitary surgery is mainly performed to treat pituitary tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can affect the normal function of the pituitary gland and, in some cases, exert pressure on nearby structures such as the optic nerve, which can cause vision problems.
Some of the most common cases where pituitary surgery is recommended include:
Pituitary adenomas:
These are the most common tumors that develop in the pituitary gland. They can be hormonal or non-hormonal and cause a variety of symptoms such as changes in vision, headaches, hormonal imbalances, and problems related to pressure in the brain.
Acromegaly:
This is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone in adults. Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor producing this hormone and normalize hormone levels in the body.
Cushing’s disease:
It is characterized by an excess production of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Surgery may be an option to remove the cortisol-producing tumor and restore normal hormone levels.
Prolactinomas:
These are benign tumors that affect the production of the hormone prolactin. Surgery may be necessary if medications fail to control symptoms or if there are complications such as compression of nearby structures.
How is pituitary surgery performed?
Pituitary surgery can be performed through various approaches, but one of the most advanced and least invasive methods is the endoscopic transnasal approach.
The steps involved in this intervention are:
- Patient preparation: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, to precisely locate the tumor and plan the surgical intervention.
- Access to the pituitary: The surgeon accesses the pituitary through the nasal passages, eliminating the need for incisions in the skin and reducing the risk of postoperative complications such as infections and bleeding.
- Use of endoscope: An endoscope, a thin, flexible instrument with a camera at the end, is used to visualize the working area in great detail. This allows the surgeon to manipulate tissue precisely and remove the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Tumor removal: Once the tumor has been located, the surgeon carefully removes it, ensuring to preserve the normal function of the pituitary gland and minimize the risk of damage to nearby structures.
- Closure of the incision: After removing the tumor, the incision in the nasal passage is closed, and nasal packing is placed to prevent bleeding and facilitate healing.
Thanks to advances such as the endoscopic transnasal approach, patients can benefit from less invasive surgical intervention, with faster recovery times and lower risks of complications.
If you or a loved one is facing problems related to the pituitary gland, do not hesitate to contact me for appropriate care and treatment. Your health and well-being are my priority.
