Transcranial Surgery: A More Serious Procedure for Pituitary Adenomas
When a pituitary adenoma grows to a significant size or starts to spread beyond the confines of the pituitary gland, a more intensive procedure called transcranial surgery may be necessary. The subfrontal approach is the most commonly used technique in this type of surgery.
During transcranial surgery, the surgeon carefully lifts the frontal lobes of the brain to create a pathway to the pituitary gland. This allows them to access and remove the tumor from the surrounding brain tissues and blood vessels. However, it’s important to note that this approach comes with a significant risk of damaging the frontal lobes.
Potential complications of transcranial surgery include seizures, difficulties with memory, and a loss of sense of smell. Therefore, careful consideration and evaluation of the risks and benefits are crucial before opting for this procedure.
Surgical Follow-Up: Effective Treatment for Small Adenomas
After undergoing surgery for small adenomas, patients can expect an effective and relatively permanent treatment method. However, the necessity for additional treatment may still arise depending on various factors such as tumor size, prolactin levels, and the surgeon’s expertise. In cases where prolactin levels were exceptionally high prior to the surgery, it becomes less likely for them to return to normal after the procedure.
In situations where surgeons were only able to remove a portion of the tumor causing the elevated prolactin levels, physicians commonly prescribe drug therapy to assist patients. This helps in managing and reducing the persistently elevated prolactin levels.