Over 1,000 pituitary adenoma surgeries performed endoscopically by one PGI neurosurgeon in 7 years
'Despite advances in medicine, we continue to see patients presenting with large or even giant pituitary tumours, often due to delayed diagnosis or limited awareness. This milestone reflects not only surgical success but also the importance of early detection and the collaborative strength of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team,' said Prof Rajesh Chhabra, who performed those surgeries.
The pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating many of the body's vital functions. Known as the master gland, it controls the production of essential hormones, including those responsible for growth, thyroid function, stress response, reproductive health, and fluid balance. Despite its small size, the pituitary gland holds the key to our body's hormonal harmony.
'Due to its strategic location near optic nerves (responsible for vision) and critical blood vessels (carotid arteries), abnormalities of the pituitary gland, especially pituitary tumours (adenomas), can lead to serious health problems. These tumours account for nearly 15 per cent of all brain tumours, making them the third most common brain tumours after gliomas and meningiomas. Fortunately, the vast majority are non-cancerous, but if left untreated, they can cause vision loss, hormonal imbalances, life-threatening crises, and even coma,' the doctor said.
Earlier, pituitary tumours were operated on by opening the skull, a procedure associated with considerable post-operative risks. With medical advancements, the microscopic transnasal approach gained popularity, significantly reducing morbidity. The real breakthrough, however, came with the advent of endoscopic transnasal pituitary surgery, which has now become the gold standard worldwide for most pituitary tumours, offering a safer, scarless, faster recovery, preservation of vision and hormonal function, and reduced complication rates. Early warning signs such as headaches, vision changes, or subtle hormonal disturbances are frequently ignored,' he said.
'Watch for warning signs such as persistent headaches, gradual vision loss, unexplained weight gain or changes in body features, menstrual irregularities or hormonal disturbances. A simple MRI scan and hormonal evaluation can lead to early diagnosis, enabling safer and more effective treatment,' Dr Chhabra said.
'The high volume of cases at PGI,' the doctor said, 'ensures world-class training for young doctors, who carry forward this expertise across India and abroad.'
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