Endoscopic excision of pituitary adenoma

TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY OF A PITUITARY TUMOUR


This surgical procedure is carried out in order to remove benign tumours on your pituitary gland through your nose

Removing a pituitary gland tumour

This type of surgery is performed through the nose (transsphenoidal) to remove tumours from the pituitary gland and skull base. Your surgeon works through the nostrils using a very small camera (endoscope) to remove the tumour with specially designed instruments.

The procedure treats pituitary adenoma, a tumour that develops from the tissue of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland plays a vital role in controlling other glands within the body. These in turn control many of the body's functions.

Need to know

The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.

The endoscope is inserted through one nostril and a bony opening is made in the nasal septum to give access to the tumour.

The neurosurgeon passes long instruments through the other nostril to remove the tumour. The access holes are closed and graft is placed in the area to prevent leaking of cerebrospinal fluid into the nasal cavity.

Your neurosurgeon will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have. 

Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery. You may also be asked to attend a nurse led pre assessment clinic.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

After your procedure, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.

Your consultant will discuss any concerns you may have, and arrange a follow-up appointment with you.

Our Endoscopic excision of pituitary adenoma locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients

Chiswick Outpatients

Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road

Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.