We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Hypophysectomy?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,595
Share

Sometimes referred to as hypophsis, a hypophysectomy is a surgical procedure in which the pituitary gland is removed partially or completely. This type of surgery is used mainly when there is some sort of tumor embedded in the gland, or as a means of treating Cushing’s syndrome that has impacted the function of the organ. Considered a serious procedure, a hypophysectomy is usually performed only when all other treatment options have been exhausted.

Before a patient is cleared for hypophysectomy surgery, he or she must undergo testing in order to assure general health and to determine the best course of action for the procedure. This often involves seeing a neurosurgeon who will make the final assessment and schedule the surgery if necessary. This evaluation can sometimes be done on an outpatient basis, but can also be conducted during a short hospital stay.

Preparing for the actual hypophysectomy is not unlike preparation for any invasive procedure. The patient is instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight of the day before the surgery is scheduled. As part of the pre-operative instructions, the patient is sometimes advised to begin practicing breathing through the mouth, since the nasal cavities will be packed after the procedure is completed. Finally, anesthesia is administered and the patient is rendered unconscious before the operation commences.

Assuming there are no complications, the hypophysectomy should take no more than two hours to complete. At the end of the procedure, the nose is packed to help staunch the bleeding. This is followed by an additional two hours in a recovery area, where the patient is observed closely for any post hypophysectomy complications. If none appear, the patient is returned to his or her room.

Recovery time depends on the extent of the hypophysectomy procedure itself, and how well the patient responds to the surgery. All efforts are made to save at least a portion of the pituitary gland. When this is possible, the recovery is usually a short period of time, with the patient able to return home for recuperation after a few days.

If complications such as infection take place, the patient may remain in the hospital for treatment and observation for a couple of weeks before being released. Follow-up care is determined by the attending physician, and may include drug therapy to compensate for the minimized function of the remaining portion of the gland. Assuming that any tumors found in or around the gland are completely removed, there is an excellent chance for a full recovery with no long-term complications.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-hypophysectomy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.