Trans-sphenoidal surgery, a patient’s experience

A recent clinical review in The BMJ discusses diagnosis and management of prolactinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas. One management option is surgery to remove the tumour, often this can done trans-sphenoidally. Though major complications of this type of surgery are low (~1%), there are still effects that can be distressing to patients, and should be discussed. In this interview the patient wished to remain anonymous, so we have re-recorded her words. She describes the way in which attempts to reassure her about the surgery made he under-estimate the risks involved. Read the full review: http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5390