Specialties Involved
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeon trained in endoscopic skull base surgery primarily takes care of patients with pituitary adenomas and other skull base disorders like craniopharyngiomas.
Endocrinology
Adult and Paediatric endocrinologists are active part of management team who cares for patient with pituitary adenomas and other disorders like craniopharyngiomas. Pituitary adenoma patients can have hormonal imbalance and transient body sodium imbalance following surgery, which will be managed by endocrinologists.
Neuro-ophthalmology
As Pituitary gland is in close proximity with optic nerve and Chiasm, a pituitary adenoma can compress on the optic apparatus and result in visual deterioration. ophthalmologists assess the extent of visual impairment (visual fields testing- perimetry and retinal nerve Fiber layer analysis-optical coherence Tomography/OCT) caused by pituitary adenomas and also follow up these patients to monitor improving in vision after endoscopic skull base surgery.
Otolaryngology
ENT surgeons are an integral part of operating team in endoscopic skull base surgery. As we prefer an approach through nose for pituitary adenomas, ENT surgeons help us with access to the sellar area where the pituitary gland is located. Also, in the post-operative period patients can have crusting in the nose, and smell abnormalities for which ENT surgeon frequently performs outpatient nasal endoscopy to clear the nose of crusts and help in nasal tissue healing.
Neuroradiology
Patients images (MRI and CT scans) will be reviewed with a neuroradiologist by the treating team to understand the nuances to help with endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery.
Multidisciplinary Team Tumour Meeting (MDT)
MDT is regularly conducted to plan the best individualised management strategy for each patient.