Tue Feb 09, 2010  
UCLA Health System School of MedicineHealth System
UCLA Neurosurgery


Home
About Us
Calendar
Clinical Programs
Conferences and Courses
Contact Us
Find a Doctor
In the News
Diseases and Disorders
Make an Appointment
Patient Resources
Patient Story Blog
Publications
Residency and Fellowships
Research
Resources
Site Map

Bookmark and Share

VisionTree Optimal Care
VisionTree Optimal Care
Patient Registration

Increase (+) Default Decrease (-) Font Size

Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumor / Minimally Invasive Craniotomy

Minimally Invasive Craniotomy at UCLA


Link to Pituitary Tumor Program at UCLA.

Minimally Invasive "Key-Hole" Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

In rare cases, pituitary tumors cannot be removed using the endoscopic expanded endonasal approach. This situation typically occurs when the tumor has spread laterally (to the side), and therefore not reachable using the nasal corridor.

Image of Surgical microscope being used for a minimally-invasive, key-hole craniotomy approach.
Surgical microscope being used for a minimally-invasive, key-hole craniotomy approach.

In these cases, a craniotomy may be necessary.

  • A craniotomy refers to opening a window on the side of the skull, and then approaching the pituitary tumor by working underneath the brain.
  • The neurosurgeon can either use an endoscope, or a surgical microscope, to provide light and magnification.
  • Sometimes craniotomies require long incisions on the scalp, which can usually be hidden behind the hairline.

UCLA neurosurgeons are experienced with so-called "key-hole" microcraniotomies, in which a minimally invasive, smaller incision is hidden within an eyebrow.

More about minimally invasive surgery >>