EN
Pituitary adenoma is a benign tumor that is formed from cells of the anterior pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is functionally very important for humans. It is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for growth, body function, reproductive function and metabolism. Normally, in some people (about 20% of the world’s population) a small neoplasm develops in the area of the pituitary gland called microadenoma. However, it does NOT possess hormonal activity, and its size is too small to have any negative effect on the pituitary gland or brain structure. But if the tumor grows and begins to produce hormones then urgent medical attention is required.
WILL AN OPERATION HELP WITH PITUITARY ADENOMA?
Surgery for pituitary adenoma is the main treatment method. Surgery of the pituitary brain adenoma, like any neurosurgical operation requires high skill, accuracy and experience of the surgeon. By choosing a good clinic, such operation is performed by an experienced neurosurgeon using modern surgical techniques – the success rate of this procedure is 97%, which means that the risk of complications is minimized.
Surgery of pituitary adenoma is necessary if the tumor manifests its own hormonal activity, or it grows and exerts pressure on important brain structures. In such cases, the operation to remove pituitary adenoma is the first step to complete recovery. Of course, it should be understood that in addition to surgical intervention, the patient may need hormone therapy and other additional therapies.
Therefore, in the treatment of pituitary adenoma, a multidisciplinary approach is very important which means that treatment is performed by a team of specialists, especially a neurologist, neurosurgeon and an endocrinologist participate, if necessary, a radiotherapist and radiosurgery specialist are also included.
Ideally, during surgery, the pituitary adenoma is completely removed. But this is not always possible. If the tumor is too large and is close to the plexus of cerebral vessels or ocular nerves, partial resection is performed followed by irradiation of the remaining part of the tumor.
TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY FOR PITUITARY ADENOMA
In the best clinics of the world, an operation for pituitary adenoma is performed through the nose (the back of its cavity, sphenoid sinus) – that is,transsphenoidal. It belongs to the category of minimally invasive surgical procedures, has a low level of trauma and is practically NOT associated with various kinds of complications. It is clear that all this is possible only if the procedure is performed by an experienced neurosurgeon.
In addition to the operation of pituitary adenoma through the nose, it is possible to make access through a small puncture in the upper lip or nasal septum. In any case, all such interventions are carried out using special endoscopic equipment: a thin surgical manipulator and a miniature camera with multiple magnification. Open types of surgery, such as trepanation of skull, are extremely rare in modern medical institutions, less than 3% cases.
NONINVASIVE OPERATION FOR REMOVING ADENOMA OF HYPOPHYSIS
Today it is possible to remove a pituitary gland tumor without a scalpel and even endoscopic surgery. We are talking about radiosurgery, when the tumor is destroyed by exposing to radiation. Radiation is focused on the tumor without touching other organs and tissues. Radiosurgery today is performed using the Gamma-Knife, Cyber-Knife, Truebeam STx devices, chosen exclusively on the basis of size and location of the pituitary adenoma.
In addition, Truebeam is a device with which you can perform not only radiosurgical operations, but also radiation therapy, which may be necessary after the operation on the pituitary tumor.
CONSEQUENCES AFTER REMOVING BRAIN ADENOMA
If in an open surgery, patient needs to spend 24 hours in the neurosurgical rehabilitation ward, and up to 2 weeks in the hospital, then rehabilitation after a minimally invasive operation of the pituitary adenoma takes only 3 days. These terms are relevant in cases if the operation went without complications.
Complications that can develop if the operation for pituitary adenoma is not well performed include damage to the gland, intracerebral hemorrhage, loss of brain fluid, disruption of the optic nerves etc. However, all this can be avoided by contacting an experienced surgeon. To monitor the follow up signs of the pituitary adenoma after surgery, laboratory tests of blood and urine are prescribed, hormone levels are studied and MRI is performed.
WHAT IS THE COST OF PITUITARY ADENOMA SURGERY?
Success of the surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma directly depends on the experience of the specialist who will conduct the operation. Therefore, in such matter it is not recommended to save money by choosing an inexperienced specialist, because the risks increase significantly.
MedicGlobus works with the best neurosurgeons of Israel, Germany, Turkey, Spain and South Korea who have over 20 years of experience and can carry out up to 200 neurosurgical operations per year.
We are talking about top neurosurgeons, who have conducted more than 4,000 successful operations, such as Prof. Zvi Ram, Dr. Ralf Buhl, Dr. Tuncay Kaner, Dr. Bartolome Oliver and others.
The fees of these specialists are somewhat higher than those of other doctors, but they have vast & unique experience.
Pituitary adenoma surgery testemonials
“I want to leave my feedback on the pituitary adenoma surgery. When I found out that the tumor had almost reached 2 cm and it needed to be removed urgently, I started looking for a clinic. The most important task was to find a good surgeon, because for me brain surgery is something terrible. I chose between two countries: Israel and Germany. I focused mainly on patient feedback on the pituitary gland adenoma surgery. But this search only made me more confused…
After a while, I went to a specialized agency, a partner of the clinic. I was told everything about doctors in detail, and I decided to go to Dr. Zvi Rum. The surgery was scheduled just a few days after my arrival. The tumor was removed through the nose (I didn’t even know that it was possible, I thought they would cut the skull). A couple of days later I was on my feet, but in Israel I stayed only to rest and gain strength. Everything’s fine now. Thank you to Israeli medicine…” Andrew, Wrocłow.
Ask the MedicGlobus medical coordinators for more information on the intricacies of adenoma treatment in the pituitary gland. Our specialists will help you with the selection of the clinic, doctors, as well as orientate the cost of the operation and arrange a medical trip abroad.
Thank you for explaining in simple words.