A transsphenoidal surgery is performed to remove pituitary tumors. The majority of these tumors are non-cancerous. This operation is performed by going through the area that is located right behind the nose, also referred to as the sphenoid sinus. In rare cases, the skull may need to be opened during this procedure in order to access and remove the tumor. Since the sphenoid sinus is a small space, the surgeon will use instruments in order to visualize the area and the tumor. Such instruments include fiberoptic endoscopes to magnify the area. High-powered microscopes are also often used to increase visualization to make performing this procedure easier.
Pituitary Gland Damage
According to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the pituitary gland is damaged in 5- to 10 percent of patients during the procedure. This most often occurs when trying to remove pituitary tumors called macroadenomas. When this damage occurs the patient may need to have hormone replacement therapy. The hormones replaced may include testosterone, cortisone, estrogen or the thyroid hormone. This damage may also lead to excessive thirst and urination.
Spinal Fluid Leak
A small number of patients may experience a spinal fluid leak. This leak may develop when a tumor is separated by a thin membrane from the spinal fluid. This complication is almost always impossible to prevent during a transsphenoidal surgery.
Meningitis
A spinal fluid leak can cause further complications is they are not treated right away. Further complications include meningitis. Meningitis is a very serious infection of the spine and spinal fluid. If this complication occurs, a second surgery may be necessary to patch the leak.
Cartoid Artery Damage
Those undergoing a transsphenoidal surgery have a very small risk of experiencing cartoid artery damage. This artery is located in located close to the pituitary gland in an area called the cavernous sinus. Damage to the cartoid artery is very serious and can lead to a host of other very serious complications. These complications can include stroke, severe loss of blood or death.
Bleeding
Some patients may experience bleeding after the surgery. This bleeding may flow into the area surrounding the pituitary gland or into any tumor tissue that is left. This complications can cause partial vision loss or even blindness because the blood can put pressure on the optic nerves. Bleeding is rare, but patients who experience it may need to have an additional operation to remove any blood clots that result because of it.
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