What is involved in transsphenoidal surgery?

Transphenoidal : Transphenoidal surgery is a way to gain access to the pituitary gland commonly for micro/macro adenomas (tumor) that may or may not be functional/secreting. Options for approaches include endonasal microscopic/endoscopic w/wo an approach surgeon (ent), intracranial, and translabial. A patient should have an endocrinologic work up, eye exam, and see a neurosurgeon specializing in this area.

A lot: Surgery is done through one/ both nostrils. The microscope/ endoscope are used to drill the base of the skull and then the pituitary dura (covering of the brain) is opened. Then the tumor is resected slowly with gentle dissection. The major risks are sinusitis, brain fluid leak, and pituitary hormone problems (urinating too much , low energy, etc). The rare risks are stroke/death. Consult md.