Postoperative complications of pituitary tumor surgery

Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

Updated on August 31, 2024

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For patients with pituitary tumors, a range of complications, sequelae, or concomitant ailments can easily occur after surgery. For instance, postoperative sellar hematoma may occur, and some patients may even experience the rupture of a pseudoaneurysm. Additionally, some patients may repeatedly suffer from headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness in the limbs after surgery, along with significant memory decline, reduced cognitive function—including calculating ability, and orientation in time, space, and person—gradually diminishing. These are considered postoperative sequelae of pituitary tumor surgery.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

41sec

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Can pituitary tumors heal on their own?

Under normal circumstances, pituitary tumors generally do not heal spontaneously. Pituitary tumors are benign tumors and although they grow slowly, they tend to continue growing. When they enlarge to a certain extent, they produce a series of symptoms and signs, such as headaches behind the eye sockets, the forehead, and both temporal sides. If the tumor breaks through the sellar diaphragm, it might also affect the optic nerve, leading to decreased vision and visual field defects. Moreover, it can severely erode the pituitary gland, causing symptoms and signs like decreased pituitary function, endocrine hormone disorders, and bringing significant suffering to the patient.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

53sec

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Is a pituitary tumor easy to treat?

Currently, the treatment technology for pituitary tumors is relatively mature. For early-stage pituitary microadenomas that are only a few millimeters in size, and where vision and visual fields are not yet affected, a definite diagnosis can be made. Under the surgical microscope, complete removal surgery is achievable, and it is possible to preserve the normal function of the pituitary gland. As surgical experience continues to increase, not only can tumors within the sella be removed, but even large adenomas or giant pituitary adenomas growing above the sella can be safely excised. Therefore, for patients with pituitary tumors, it is advisable to choose to visit a local hospital as early as possible and opt for a complete removal of the pituitary tumor through a transnasal transsphenoidal approach.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

59sec

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How to check for pituitary tumors?

For the examination of pituitary tumors, it can be conducted jointly through various methods such as inquiring about the patient's medical history based on symptoms and signs, as well as conducting endocrine and radiological examinations. Currently, with the continuous advancement in modern endocrinology, the use of endocrine radiology immunodiagnostic methods allows for the direct measurement of various hormones from the pituitary and hypothalamus, and functional tests of the pituitary can be performed. This helps in understanding whether there is hyperfunction in the pituitary and target organs, and provides an effective evaluation of early diagnosis of pituitary tumors, changes before and after treatment, and treatment efficacy, which is of significant importance. Additionally, judgments can also be made jointly through various methods such as cranial CT, cranial MRI, and enhanced MRI scanning of the pituitary gland.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

40sec

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What should not be eaten with pituitary tumors?

For patients with pituitary tumors, it is advisable to be cautious about their diet in daily life. Try to avoid eating foods that are overly greasy, spicy, or irritating. It’s also best to limit or avoid consuming foods rich in cholesterol, carbohydrates, or fried foods. Additionally, women should avoid taking hormonal medications, especially short-acting hormonal drugs, as they can disrupt existing endocrine hormone balances, exacerbate symptoms, and lead to an increase in the size of the pituitary tumor. Furthermore, in daily life, avoid eating foods that may cause allergies, such as seafood products.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

49sec

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Is pituitary tumor surgery dangerous?

For patients with pituitary tumors, undergoing pituitary tumor surgery carries certain risks. The main risks are due to the important blood vessels, nerves, and various crucial structures around the pituitary tumor. Careless maneuvers during the surgery may damage these important organs or affect the surrounding crucial blood vessels, leading to potentially fatal massive bleeding. Additionally, some common surgical risks may also exist, such as anesthesia accidents, postoperative intracranial infections, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and other conditions. Therefore, for pituitary tumor patients, it is necessary to prepare thoroughly for the surgery and make a comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall condition before the procedure.