Getting to Know Your Central Nervous System
Most people are familiar with the brain and spine. But, did you know they make up your central nervous system? Keep reading to learn how they work together to process information and coordinate responses.
Your pituitary gland is a tiny bean-shaped gland that produces hormones involved in almost every part of your body. Unfortunately, it can also be tricky to reach this small gland because it sits at the base of your brain in an area between your ears and behind your nose.
At Cerebrum MD in Vienna, Virginia, Joseph Watson, MD, is an expert brain surgeon who provides both conventional and innovative surgical techniques, including subcapsular microdissection. This specialized technique enables him to remove pituitary tumors while preserving as much healthy gland tissue is possible.
Not only do these specialized approaches enable Dr. Watson to remove tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, but they can also make your recovery easier.
The pituitary gland may be small, but it has a big job. This gland is located on the underside of your brain, and it makes the hormones your body needs and also regulates most of your bodily functions, including blood pressure and reproduction. On top of that, it triggers other glands in your body to release hormones, including the ovaries, testes, thyroid, and adrenals.
When you have a pituitary tumor, you experience abnormal growths in the gland, which can impair its ability to function. These growths are rarely cancerous and often grow slowly. However, they can still cause serious serious side effects and complications, including:
Fortunately, there are several treatments for pituitary tumors, including surgery.
When Dr. Watson performs pituitary surgery, he removes the tumor and leaves as much healthy tissue as possible. It’s important to note that even though he uses advanced procedures and precise techniques, it’s still brain surgery. Because of this, you should expect to stay at the hospital for a few days so Dr. Watson can monitor you.
Generally speaking, it’s easier to remove smaller pituitary tumors than larger or invasive types. The most common symptoms seen after surgery — which are normally temporary — include the following:
You can usually expect mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days after your procedure, but Dr. Watson can help manage your pain with medication. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but Dr. Watson can provide more specific insight based on the extent of your condition and the procedure required to address it.
Everyone recovers at different rates from pituitary surgery. It will take time to heal, and you’ll need plenty of rest. You should plan on having someone with you for at least a week, and you can expect to be more tired than usual.
To support the healing process, Dr. Watson often recommends that you:
Dr. Watson also recommends that if you need to sneeze or blow your nose, that you do so with your mouth open for at least 12 weeks. You also shouldn’t drive until you have:
Dr. Watson also recommends postponing travel, especially on an airplane, for six weeks.
You can usually expect to schedule your first follow-up appointment with Dr. Watson 7-10 days after your procedure. During this appointment, he’ll remove sutures, evaluate the surgical site, and assess your recovery.
Within 6-8 weeks of your surgery, Dr. Watson often recommends a thorough review of your pituitary function and hormone production. With his tissue-preserving approach, you should have enough pituitary gland remaining to produce the hormones your body needs. However, you may need hormone replacement medications depending on your situation.
With our care, you can expect a smooth and speedy recovery from your pituitary surgery. To learn more about your treatment options, book an appointment over the phone with Cerebrum MD today.
