Complications Or Risks Of Hypophysectomy Pituitary Gland Removal
Pituitary Gland And Endocrine System Regulation
A hypophysectomy runs risks of destroying the entire pituitary gland in the surgery. While at one time removal of the entire pituitary gland was the purpose of the surgery, this is no longer the case.
Destroying the entire pituitary gland leaves the endocrine system without any regulation so special care needs taken during the hyphophysectomy surgery to leave enough of the gland in tact to continue regulating the endocrine system.
Other Risks Or Complications Of A Hypophysectomy
Other complications or risks involved with a hypophysectomy or removal of the pituitary gland may include:
- Hypopituitarism
- Bleeding
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Infection
- Nasal septal perforation
- Impaired vision
- Incomplete removal of tumors
Hypopituitarism, Or Underactive Pituitary Gland
After the hypophysectomy or craniotomy procedure, There are risks that the pituitary gland may become underactive. If this is the case, hormone therapy replacement is often used to restore the balance of hormones back to normal.
Getting the hormone levels back to normal levels is important, as abnormal hormone levels can cause various symptoms that could otherwise be avoided.
After Surgery Nasal Cavity Bleeding
Complications may include bleeding in the nasal cavity, or cavity where the tumor was removed after a hypophysectomy or craniotomy.
If there is bleeding in the cavity where the tumor was removed, there is a risk it may cause deterioration of the visual nerves, causing reduced vision.
Risk Of Infection Of The Pituitary Gland
A hypophysectomy runs risks of an infection of the pituitary gland which is very serious. A pituitary gland infection could lead to an abscess, or meningitis.
If an infection is suspected antibiotics should be administered right away. Usually there is minimal risk, and an infection of the pituitary gland are easily treatable by antibiotics.
