Endoscopic pituitary surgery explained

Written by: Mr Alireza Shoakazemi

Published: 20/03/2024

Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article below, Mr Alireza Shoakazemi, a highly regarded consultant neurosurgeon, gives a detailed insight into all things endoscopic pituitary surgery.

How does endoscopic pituitary surgery differ from traditional surgical approaches?

Endoscopic pituitary surgery provides an ultimate visualisation and safety for surgical management of the tumours in the pituitary area. Using specially designed instruments, this technique will provide a more delicate removal of tumours and a better opportunity to preserve the function of important structures in this area. This technique, which has developed significantly over the years, has facilitated a more aggressive surgical management of certain brain tumours in this area.

What are the common reasons for undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery?

This surgical approach is used to tackle different pathologies in the anterior part of the skull base, including tumours arising from pituitary gland, craniopharyngioma, other benign tumours such as meningioma, and certain malignant tumours.

What are the potential risks and complications associated with endoscopic pituitary surgery?

Although up-to-date technology is used for this procedure, this surgery does have associated risks. The main risk is leakage of the fluid of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Spinal cord (CSF) is a highly avoidable risk. Experience in this specific surgical area can reduce the risk.

How long is the typical recovery period following endoscopic pituitary surgery?

Most patients make a full recovery after four weeks.

What outcomes can patients expect after undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery in terms of symptom relief and long-term management?

This depends on why the patient had to go undergo this operation. Generally speaking though, patients can expect significant visual improvement and hormonal stability after this type of surgery.

If you wish to book an appointment with Mr Alireza Shoakazemi today, you can head on over to his Top Doctors profile to do just that.

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By Mr Alireza Shoakazemi

Neurosurgery in London

Mr Alireza Shoakazemi is a consultant neurosurgeon based in central and east London, who specialises in brain tumours, vestibular schwannoma, hydrocephalus, discectomy and trigeminal neuralgia. He privately practises for The London Independent Hospital and performs Gamma Knife radiosurgery at the Cromwell Hospital, and his NHS base is Queen's Hospital for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. Mr Shoakazemi, who also has an interest in Brain tumours, skull base su...

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Book online Call to make an appointment

By Mr Alireza Shoakazemi
Neurosurgery

Mr Alireza Shoakazemi is a consultant neurosurgeon based in central and east London, who specialises in brain tumours, vestibular schwannoma, hydrocephalus, discectomy and trigeminal neuralgia. He privately practises for The London Independent Hospital and performs Gamma Knife radiosurgery at the Cromwell Hospital, and his NHS base is Queen's Hospital for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr Shoakazemi, who also has an interest in Brain tumours, skull base surgery, pituitary surgery and radiosurgery, utilises a multidisciplinary approach to brain tumours at London Independent Hospital in order to achieve the best results.

He's highly qualified and following completion of his Neurosurgical training in the UK, He completed various fellowships. These include a prestigious skull base fellowship from Salford Royal Hospital, a skull base and microneurosurgery fellowship from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, USA and he is a neurosurgery fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Further treatments Mr Shoakazemi is an expert in, include back pain and degenerative spine and disc disease. He's a respected clinical leader in private and NHS practise, and is an active member of the skull base surgery and neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team. He is lead for Undergraduate Medical Education in Neurosurgery with the Queen Mary University London and also Neurosurgery Local Education Lead at BHRUT.

His clinical research has been published in various peer-reviewed journals and he's a member of respected professional organisations including the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Mr Shoakazemi is also a member of the British Medical Association (BMA).

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Overall assessment of their patients

By Mr Alireza Shoakazemi

Neurosurgery in London

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