CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Removal of pituitary tumours
ENDOSCOPIC EXCISION OF PITUITARY ADENOMA
Our leading neurosurgeons diagnose and remove pituitary tumours using advanced techniques
Surgery to remove a pituitary tumour
This type of surgery is performed through the nose (transsphenoidal) to remove tumours from the pituitary gland and skull base. The surgeon works through the nostrils using a very small camera (endoscope) to remove the tumour with long instruments.
The procedure treats pituitary adenoma - a tumour that develops from the tissue of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland plays a vital role in controlling other glands within the body. These in turn control many of the body's functions.
Need to know
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. The endoscope is inserted through one nostril and a bony opening is made in the nasal septum to give access to the tumour.
Your neurosurgeon passes long instruments through the other nostril to remove the tumour. The access holes are closed and graft is placed in the area to prevent leaking of cerebrospinal fluid into the nasal cavity.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You will awake in intensive care, where you'll be carefully monitored be an expert medical team. It's possible that you'll experience temporary discomfort post surgery, including nausea, sore throat, headaches and dizziness.
A few days after surgery, you will have a brain scan. Your consultant will see if any of the tumour remains. You may need a course of radiotherapy to destroy remaining cells. You may also receive steroid medication to reduce pressure on the brain.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
State-of-the-art intraoperative MRI for neurosurgery
As part of HCA Healthcare UK’s continued investment in the latest medical technology, The Wellington Hospital’s Neurosurgery Centre is now equipped with an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) scanner and fully integrated digital theatre.
The iMRI scanner allows surgeons to carry out an intraoperative MRI scan of their patient’s brain during their surgery. This gives the surgeon confidence that they have achieved their treatment goal. It also provides our patients with the best possible chance of tumours being removed fully without the need for further surgery.
Our Removal of pituitary tumours consultants
Mr Neil Dorward
Neurosurgery
Mr Nicholas Thomas
Neurosurgery
Mr Sinan Barazi
Neurosurgery
Dr Anouk Borg
Neurosurgery
Our Removal of pituitary tumours locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.