Care at NUH

Endoscopic Pituitary and Skull Base Surgery

2024/06/19

Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

The endoscopic endonasal, or transsphenoidal, surgical approach uses the nostrils as a natural surgical corridor. This endonasal route is the preferred method for removing pituitary adenomas and many midline skull base and brain tumours. This approach is also used in treating Rathke’s cleft cysts, along with certain craniopharyngiomas, clival chordomas and midline meningiomas. 

 

The endoscopic endonasal approach has evolved into a safe and effective technique, using high-definition endoscopy (surgical telescope), neuronavigation system (resembling “GPS for the brain”) and carotid artery localisation with doppler ultrasound. Its advantages include a high-resolution, magnified view of the tumour and surrounding important tissues, avoidance of brain retraction, minimal manipulation of the optic nerves, and absence of scalp/facial incisions. 

 

The endonasal approach, however, is not suitable for all midline tumours. In certain patients, an alternative minimally invasive route, such as the transorbital approach, the supraorbital eyebrow craniotomy, or a conventional craniotomy may be more suitable. 

Our Team
Pituitary Team

Our highly trained team consists of:

Our Services

Our team of clinical and surgical experts manage a diverse range of adult and paediatric hypothalamic-pituitary and skull base conditions, including:  

  • Pituitary adenoma 
  • Functional pituitary tumours: Prolactinoma, Cushing’s Disease, Acromegaly, TSH-secreting adenoma 
  • Non-functional pituitary tumours 
  • Craniopharyngioma 
  • Skull base meningioma 
  • Pituitary carcinoma or cancer 
  • Clival chordoma 
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma (Olfactory neuroblastoma) 
  • Sinonasal tumors 
  • Rathke’s cleft cyst 
  • CSF leak 
  • Peri-orbital and orbital apex tumours 
What to Expect At your First Appointment

At your first appointment, you will be seen by our neurosurgeon specialising in endoscopic endonasal surgery to review and discuss your pitituary MRI scan. Often, subsequent consultations with skull base ENT surgeon, endocrinologist, and neuro-ophthalmologist are also necessary for assessment of the pituitary function and visual fields.

Contact Us
15a Surgical Specialists Centre
15a Surgical Specialists Centre (SSC)

Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: Closed

Contact
+65 6908 2222
+65 6772 5601
[email protected]

Location
NUH Medical Centre
Zone B, Level 15

University Surgical Centre
University Surgical Centre (USC) (D05-02)

Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: Closed

Contact
+65 6908 2222
+65 6772 5083
[email protected]

Location
NUH Kent Ridge Wing
Zone D, Level 5

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