Endoscopic pituitary surgery or transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is performed to remove pituitary tumours. During the surgery: 

• The neurosurgeon will insert an endoscope through the nose until the bony wall of the sphenoid sinus. 

• The endoscope will be passed through to the back wall of the sinus and a small opening will be made. 

• At this stage, an MRI may be used to take images of the pituitary area and help guide the surgeon. 

• Once the pituitary area is located, the surgeon will remove the tumour, and also remove the endoscope. 

What Are the Risks of Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery? 

Although the surgery is safe, it may carry certain risks including: 

• Meningitis. 

• Damage to the normal parts of the pituitary gland. 

• Severe bleeding. 

• Diabetes insipidus. 

• Problems with vision. 

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy or ETV is a surgical procedure to drain extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your brain. The procedure is performed in a condition called hydrocephalus which causes an accumulation of CSF in the brain. 

An endoscope refers to a thin tube that carries a light, magnifying lens, and tiny instruments. Third ventriculostomy refers to the area of the brain where a bypass will be made. The bypass is made with the help of a thin membrane in the bottom or floor of the third ventricle.  

The CSF may flow from the lateral to the third ventricle and from the third ventricle through the new opening to the normal fluid chambers below the base of the brain. 

A skull base surgery is done to remove both cancerous and non-cancerous growth, or abnormalities on the underside of the brain, skull base, or top few vertebrae of the spinal column.  

During an endoscopic surgery, your neurosurgeon will make a small opening inside the nose to insert an endoscope. Once the endoscope is inserted, the surgeon will detect the cancerous growth and remove it with the help of the endoscope.