A Generally Safe Operation — But Know the Risks
In experienced hands, endoscopic pituitary surgery is generally safe, but every operation carries some risk. Understanding them helps you ask good questions.
Possible Complications
A leak of spinal fluid from the nose that may need repair; temporary or lasting diabetes insipidus (a water-balance problem, also called AVP deficiency); a delayed drop in blood sodium about a week after surgery; a drop in one or more pituitary hormones that may need replacement; sinus or nasal problems and altered sense of smell; infection, including meningitis; and, rarely, injury to nearby arteries or the optic nerves affecting vision.
How Risk Is Reduced
Experience matters: a high-volume pituitary surgical team and careful hormone monitoring after surgery help keep complications low.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
How many pituitary operations do you perform each year? What are your complication rates? Who manages my hormones afterward? See choosing a pituitary surgeon.Become our Patient. Send us your MRI and recent bloodwork and our team will review your case. Call 813-333-1186 or fax records to 844-691-5928.