The pituitary sits at the base of the brain, just below the optic nerves (optic chiasm) and above the sphenoid sinus — the natural pathway surgeons use to reach it through the nose.
What "Transsphenoidal" Means
The word means "through the sphenoid sinus" — the air space directly behind the nose and below the pituitary. This natural pathway lets surgeons reach the gland without opening the skull.
How the Operation Works
Working through the nostrils, the surgeon passes instruments to the base of the skull, opens a small window into the sphenoid sinus and the bony pocket that holds the pituitary, and removes the tumor. There is no external incision.
Who Is a Candidate?
Most pituitary tumors can be removed this way. A minority of very large or complex tumors may need a different or combined approach.
Advantages
No visible scar, no shaved hair, generally less pain, and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery. Today it is most often performed with an endoscope.
Risks
Like any operation it carries risks; see pituitary surgery risks and complications.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.