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Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors of the pituitary gland.  They are rather common, and are increasingly found incidentally when obtaining radiology studies for other reasons such as headache.  Small pituitary adenomas may not require any intervention other than continued observation with an MRI.  Some pituitary adenomas can cause problems with hormone function, and some cause issues with vision if they grow to be large.  in these cases, surgical treatments may be indicated.

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Initially, pituitary tumors were treated through a craniotomy - an opening through the skull with a large incision.  Until the 1990s, the standard approach for most pituitary adenomas was to perform an approach through the sinuses, by opening up the mucous-linings below the upper lip.

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More recently, endoscopic techniques have allowed access to this surgical corridor without any incisions on the outside of the body.  Dr. Wind performs pituitary adenoma surgery in this manner alongside an ear-nose-and-throat surgeon (ENT).  This allows even large pituitary adenomas to be removed entirely through the nasal passages, with no external incisions.  Dr. Wind additionally uses  intraoperative neuronavigation and other modern techniques to guide this minimally invasive approach.