Recovering After Pituitary Tumor Surgery: What to Expect

The pituitary gland is also called the master gland of the body. It is responsible for many of the functions of the body, such as thyroid, growth and reproduction. The quality of life after pituitary tumor surgery depends on the size, location and spread of the tumor.

Recovery

• Recovery after pituitary tumor surgery begins immediately in the hospital with close monitoring of vision, fluid intake and output and any nasal discharge from the surgery site.

Potential

• Expect to be out of work an average of about two weeks, depending on the type of work you do, according to Pituitary.org. If part of the tumor cannot be removed surgically, medical treatments may be required to control the hormones affected.

Consider Symptoms

• Anticipate feeling fatigued for three weeks or more after pituitary tumor surgery. You can expect a sinus headache and some nasal congestion, according to Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroendocrine Clinical Center.

Hormone Replacement

• Expect to be on hormone replacement for the rest of your life, if the entire pituitary gland was removed, according to PituitaryDisorder.net.

Long Term

• Permanent diabetes insipidus occurs in 1 to 2 percent of pituitary tumor surgery patients. Life-long management may be required.