Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery

What is an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery?

This is a procedure that is done to remove pituitary tumours without the need to make an incision. Pituitary tumours are abnormal cell growths which occur in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a part of the endocrine system which is responsible for secreting hormones into the bloodstream.

Some pituitary gland tumours may result in excess production of hormones that are responsible for regulating important functions of the body. While in some cases, pituitary tumours may lead to the pituitary gland producing lower levels of hormones.

What are the related symptoms of a pituitary tumour?

Not all pituitary tumours cause symptoms. Pituitary tumours that produce hormones may cause symptoms depending on the type of hormone they produce. Pituitary tumours may put pressure on the surrounding areas and may cause symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Eyesight problems
  • Loss of peripheral vision
  • Breast growth
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fewer menstrual periods
  • No production of breast milk
  • Low sex drive
  • Vomiting
  • Weight changes
  • Upset stomach
  • Growth and sexual development delays

What does an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery entail?

An endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is recommended to treat hormone-secreting tumours, non- hormone-secreting tumours and cancerous tumours. During the procedure, the neurosurgeon will make an incision under the upper lip and pass an endoscope through the ear, nose or throat. The endoscope will then be passed to the sphenoid sinus, and it will be opened and passed through to the back wall of the sphenoid sinus. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will then be used to help guide the neurosurgeon throughout the procedure. The pituitary tumour is then removed in small pieces. When all pieces of the tumours have been retrieved, the endoscope will be removed and some packing may be placed in the nose in order to complete the surgery. After the procedure, the incision will then be stitched closed.

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