Intraoperative Endoscopy

Pituitary Surgery and Treatment

Surgery to remove the affected gland is the mainstay of treatment for pituitary tumors. Intraoperative endoscopy, an innovative technique which has dramatically increased the ability of the neurosurgeon to achieve more complete tumor excision, is available for larger tumors (macroadenomas). Typical kinds of surgeries are:

• A minimally invasive transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, which removes the tumor through the nasal passage
• A craniotomy, which removes the tumor microsurgically through a aperture in the skull

Stanford surgeons have extensive experience in operating on patients with pituitary disease, particularly in managing complex cases of disease. Intraoperative endoscopy, an innovative technique which has dramatically increased the ability of the neurosurgeon to achieve more complete tumor excision, is available for larger tumors (macroadenomas). Our medical staff of neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, neuro-otologists, head and neck surgeons, endocrinologists, and radiation oncologists coordinate advanced medical and surgical care, including radiosurgery and skull base surgery for patients with these tumors.

Services offered:

• Evaluation by a neurosurgeon expert in pituitary tumor resection using state-of-the-art real time computerized image guidance
• Resection of large or small functional pituitary tumors including Cushing's tumors, GH producing tumors (acromegaly), and prolactinomas resistant to medical therapy
• Resection of non-functional pituitary lesions (adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, gliomas, chordomas, Rathke cleft cysts, etc)