Otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons from the MCG Health System recently teamed to perform a new surgery to remove benign tumors of the pituitary gland. Traditional surgery requires that an incision is made through the nostrils and the pituitary gland accessed via the sinuses. In some cases, the tumor may have to be removed through the front of the skull via a craniotomy. But, in the procedures recently performed by MCG physicians, a tool is inserted endoscopically through the nose, straight through the sinus area and into the pituitary.

“This new approach has significant benefits for patients,” said Dr. Stil Kountakis, Director of Rhinology/Sinus Surgery and Director of the MCG Georgia Sinus Center. “Patients who have this procedure experience less pain, more comfort and a quicker recovery versus those who have traditional surgery. And, there is minimal trauma to the nose,” he added.

“We have the expertise to perform this procedure as well as the technology,” said neurosurgeon Dr. John Vender. “We use a specialized, powered endoscope holder that steadies the instrument with pinpoint precision, leaving the surgeon’s hands free to perform other aspects of the surgery. We also have a computer image-guided system to precisely localize the area where surgery is performed while preserving other structures.”

“Because of the patient-friendly nature of this procedure, there is a demand for it,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Dion Macomson. “Patients are shopping for it.”

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain that oversees the endocrine system and keeps hormone levels in check. The pituitary gland regulates many important bodily processes by releasing hormones into the bloodstream.

For more information on endoscopic pituitary surgery or to schedule an appointment, call Neurosurgery at 706-721-4581 or Otolaryngology at 706-721-4400.

The MCG Georgia Sinus Center integrates the knowledge of medical specialists with basic and applied research and state-of-the-art technology to improve the medical care of patients with nasal and sinus diseases.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.