About Transsphenoidal Surgery
Transsphenoidal surgery is performed through the nose via sphenoid sinus to remove the pituitary tumor (adenomas). Two medical experts with their team of specialists conduct it with the help of using a high-definition device called endoscope. It is a simple technique in which a small cut is made at the back of nasal cavity which leads to slight disturbance of the nasal tissues. Small openings are made in the nasal septum, sphenoid sinus, and sella to reach the pituitary tumor. When the tumor is visible, it is removed by the neurosurgeon.
Who is the right candidate for this surgery?
You may be the right individual for this surgery only if you are diagnosed withany one of the following tumors:
- Pituitary adenoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Meningioma
- Chordoma
- Rathke’s cleft cyst
Recovery And Prevention of Transsphenoidal Surgery
You will have to fix an appointment with your ENT surgeon 1 week after surgery to check the surgical site and also to take off the nasal splints. You will be under the observation of ENT surgeon for 3 weeks till the nasal cavities are completely healed. Usually, 2 to 4 visits will be required.
Small crusts will be formed inside the nose leading to nasal congestion. The ENT physician will spray the nose to give a local anesthesia to the nasal cavities so that the crusts can be removed easily. The patient will be given a nasal saline rinse to use for 4 weeks after the surgery as it will reduce the need to remove the crusts and speed up the nasal healing.
You will also need to fix an appointment with your neurosurgeon to have an endocrine check up for 2 to 4 weeks following the surgery.
Risks Involved in Transsphenoidal Surgery
Every surgery involves risks in it. Some of the risks and complications involved in this surgery are as follows:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Loss of vision
- Damage to normal pituitary gland
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Meningitis
- Sinus congestion
- Nasal deformity
- Nasal bleeding stroke
Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Surgery
If your tumor is secreting a hormone, the endocrinologist will check your hormone levels after surgery to decide whether you are cured or not.Some of the pituitary tumors will stay incurable due to the seizure of large sinuses and other vital structures. Radiosurgery is used to treat those tumors which are unable to be removed through surgery. Since it is quite difficult to predict when a tumor may re-occur, continuous monitoring with MRI scans is needed to watch for any changes or re-growth.
Cost of Transsphenoidal Surgery
India is one of the leading destinations in the field of medical tourism. Pituitary tumor treatment in India is performed by well-trained expert surgeons of India. Pituitary tumor surgery cost is found to be cost-effective and affordable in India. Be comfortable, stay relaxed and make your treatment in India, a healing experience.
