How long is the surgery for a pituitary tumor?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on November 01, 2024
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The duration of pituitary tumor surgery is influenced by many factors. For instance, the size of the pituitary tumor and whether the surgical procedure goes smoothly, as well as the presence of important blood vessels and nerves around the pituitary tumor, all affect the length of the surgery. Generally, for typical pituitary tumor patients, the surgery takes about two hours. For patients with larger pituitary tumors, the surgery may last up to three hours or even longer. The patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery and is moved to a recovery room to recuperate for a period afterward, and these times are also included in the duration of the surgery. Therefore, the specific length of the surgery is determined by these factors.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Can pituitary tumors be cured?

Currently, for the treatment of pituitary tumors, it is generally recommended in clinical practice to opt for a complete resection via a transnasal-transsphenoidal approach. Most patients can achieve good therapeutic outcomes through surgery. The main goals of surgically treating pituitary tumors are to remove the tumor, decompress the visual pathways, and help restore and maintain the function of the pituitary and other neurological functions. Most patients can achieve good therapeutic results after treatment. Additionally, after receiving treatment, patients' original symptoms gradually alleviate or even disappear, and no longer worsen. Therefore, from this perspective, it is recommended that all symptomatic pituitary tumor patients should timely seek medical consultation at local hospitals and receive early treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What to do if a pituitary tumor recurs?

If a pituitary tumor recurs, there is no need to worry excessively. Instead, it is advisable to actively visit the local hospital for a cranial MRI with contrast to determine the specific location and severity of the recurrent pituitary tumor. Treatment plans should be decided based on the patient's condition. For patients who are eligible for surgery, it is recommended to opt for surgical removal of the pituitary tumor again. If the patient is elderly and frail and cannot withstand surgery, conservative treatment is recommended. Treatment can be carried out through medication or radiation therapy, among other methods, to help improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Pituitary tumor should see which department?

For pituitary tumors in the brain, it is generally recommended to seek treatment in neurosurgery. It is advised to choose a well-known neurosurgical hospital locally, or the neurosurgery department of a top-tier hospital, and consult with an experienced surgeon. The diagnosis should be further clarified based on the patient's symptoms, signs, and combined with cranial CT, cranial MRI, including enhanced MRI scans. Often, it is also necessary to test the levels of endocrine hormones in the patient's blood for a comprehensive assessment. Once confirmed as a pituitary tumor, clinically, it is advised that surgery is the best treatment option. Most patients gradually experience relief from their original symptoms after undergoing surgery.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Postoperative complications of pituitary tumor surgery

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
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What is a pituitary tumor?

Pituitary tumors refer to a type of benign tumor that occurs at the site of the pituitary fossa. Generally, they grow relatively slowly. In the early stages of the disease, there are usually no obvious symptoms or signs. Some patients may occasionally feel mild headaches or dizziness, which most can tolerate. As the size of the pituitary tumor gradually increases, it often affects the surrounding critical tissues, nerves, and organs, primarily impacting pituitary function, thereby leading to pituitary hypofunction. This affects the secretion of endocrine hormones in the body, causing abnormal secretion of endocrine hormones, and resulting in a series of symptoms and signs. For example, male patients may experience abnormalities in the secretion of male hormones, leading to difficulties with erection, while female patients are likely to experience menstrual disorders and irregular menstruation.