What are the surgical methods for pituitary tumors

With the continuous progress of medicine, the methods of treating pituitary tumors are becoming more and more advanced. People are very interested in some surgical treatments for pituitary tumors. Patients are very eager to understand the characteristics of various surgical methods and choose appropriate treatment methods to reduce the various risks caused by treatment. So, what are the surgical methods for pituitary tumors?

The treatment of pituitary tumors should be based on the patient's specific situation. Currently commonly used methods include surgical treatment, radiotherapy and drug treatment.

For larger tumors, especially those that break through the sellar diaphragm, with visual impairment, visual field impairment, and compression of multiple neural structures, surgical treatment is the first choice. Commonly used methods include craniotomy through the frontal lobe, through the temporal lobe, through the sphenoid wing, and non-craniotomy transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection.

Craniotomy: It is mostly used for patients with tumors protruding above the sella turcica and visual impairment. Currently, the frontal lobe approach and the temporal lobe approach are rarely used. The pterional approach to craniotomy can explore the sella turcica from the upper and outer sides of the sella turcica. At the same time, the important nerve and vascular structures around the sella turcica are well displayed, and the tumor can be completely removed. The important structures can be properly protected. Therefore, it is almost suitable for all types of pituitary tumor resection. However, this surgical approach is relatively complicated and requires good microanatomy knowledge and micromanipulation techniques to complete. If the operation is improper, different types of complications may occur.

Transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection: It is mainly suitable for pituitary microadenomas that protrude slightly above the sella turcica or are confined to the sella turcica. This procedure does not require craniotomy, has less surgical damage, can preserve pituitary function, has few postoperative complications, and has satisfactory therapeutic effects. Therefore, most patients with pituitary microadenomas are willing to accept this treatment method.

The above is an introduction to surgical methods for pituitary tumors. I hope it will be helpful to you.