Pituitary gland tumor treatment with craniotomy surgery

For each type of pituitary tumor, there is a specific, most optimal treatment option. The most effective is considered surgical removal. The most effective is considered surgical removal. Open pituitary tumor surgery is prescribed if the tumor significantly protrudes into other structures and exerts pressure on essential brain parts, including the optic nerve, with the risk of vision loss. Today, craniotomy is performed in only 3-5 % of cases. Access to the brain is via the frontal or temporal bone, depending on the tumor's size. In most cases, the operation is performed under general anesthesia. The optimal position for the patient during surgery is on the side or back with a slight head turn. It avoids pinching the cervical arteries that supply the brain with blood. The patient's head is fixed. The nurse shaves the hair and disinfects the places of surgery. Next, the doctor plans the projection of essential structures and vessels, which he tries to avoid. After that, he cuts the soft tissue and saws the bone. Underneath the skull is a rigid membrane that must be cut to reach a deeper pituitary gland. The tumor is removed with an aspirator or electric tweezers. After that, the neurosurgeon returns the bone flap and fixes it. After surgery, the patient receives antibiotic therapy for about a week. It is necessary for the prevention of postoperative inflammatory complications. After that, further treatment is carried out by endocrinologists and neurologists.