Prognosis Of Pituitary Gland Cancers Or Tumors
Tests And Diagnostics Before Surgery
Before a hypophysectomy is performed a number of tests may be administered, including an MRI scan of the pituitary gland, assessment of the results by a neurosurgeon to give a prognosis, and as to whether a hypophysectomy is even necessary.
X-rays of the chest, blood work and an electrocardiogram along with an anesthesiologist visit may be done to decide how fit the patient is for anesthesia.
To help with a positive prognosis, usually the patient receives antibiotics during surgery, up to the point to where the packing is removed to prevent infection of the pituitary gland.
Prognosis And Outlook After Surgery
A hypophysectomy takes about two hours and recovery after the surgery lasts about two hours, after which an assessment is usually done.
After the hypophysectomy the nose and surgical site is usually packed to stop bleeding, a catheter installed to monitor the patients fluids, and an oxygen mask placed over the patients mouth.
A drip is also attached to one of the patients foot and hand to monitor heart rate and breathing. The patient may be monitored for up to a few days after the hypophysectomy or craniotomy.
After four days the packing in the nose and surgical site are taken out and the patient is discharged the day after providing there is a positive prognosis, and there are no post surgery complications.
