Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumor / Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
Advanced Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
UCLA Pituitary Tumor Program surgeons routinely use a purely endoscopic technique to remove pituitary tumors. The endoscope has revolutionized the surgical treatment of pituitary tumors. When used with an expanded endonasal approach (EEA), endoscopy allows:
The ability to directly see and remove tumor in otherwise difficult to reach areas. Prior to this breakthrough, most pituitary tumor surgeries were done in part "blindly"
Unsurpassed illumination, magnification, and optical resolution of the surgical field.
The ability for the neurosurgeon to use two both hands to perform precise movements with a full complement of microsurgical instruments
By operating through the natural pathway of the nose and nasal sinuses, this surgery can be performed without a visible scar on the face or scalp. There are typically fewer, if any, lingering side-effects compared to traditional craniofacial surgery. Patients can often be discharged the day after surgery.
What is an Endoscope?
UCLA surgeons use an endoscope, a narrow tubular instrument only 4 mm in diameter, that is inserted through the nostril. The endoscope brings the viewing lens close to the working area, providing a high resolution, magnified view of the tumor and surrounding important structures. Special microsurgical instruments are used alongside the endoscope for dissection and tumor removal.
How Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery is Done
The wide exposure and incredible visualization provided by the Expanded Endonasal Approach allows the surgical removal of tumors sometimes considered "inoperable" by traditional techniques. The expanded endonasal approach requires special training and a teamwork approach between an endoscopic sinus (Head and Neck) surgeon and the neurosurgeon. The UCLA pituitary tumor surgical team is one of the few in the country utilizing this revolutionary technique.
Watch an endoscopic pituitary tumor surgery
Giant (approximately 2 inch) pituitary macroadenoma successfully removed using the Expanded Endonasal Approach. The patient was able to go home from the hospital the day after surgery.
You should ask your neurosurgeon if endoscopic surgery is appropriate for your tumor type and location, and always consider a second opinion. In some cases, an alternative minimally-invasive technique may be advantageous. UCLA neurosurgeons have extensive experience with all of the various techniques, including minimally-invasive "key-hole surgery" using the eyebrow to hide the incision.
