What are the risks of transsphenoidal surgery?

The risks of transsphenoidal surgery include:

* Bleeding: Transsphenoidal surgery can cause bleeding from the nose, mouth, or throat. In rare cases, bleeding can be severe and require a blood transfusion.

* Infection: The surgical site can become infected, leading to fever, chills, and pain. In rare cases, infection can spread to the brain or other parts of the body.

* Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak: CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. A CSF leak can occur if the dura mater, the tough membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord, is torn during surgery. A CSF leak can lead to headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, a CSF leak can be life-threatening.

* Damage to the pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the skull. The pituitary gland produces hormones that control a variety of bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Damage to the pituitary gland can lead to a variety of hormone deficiencies.

* Damage to the optic nerves: The optic nerves are the nerves that carry visual information from the eyes to the brain. Damage to the optic nerves can lead to vision loss.

* Stroke: A stroke can occur if the blood supply to the brain is interrupted during surgery. A stroke can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, and speech difficulties.

* Death: In rare cases, transsphenoidal surgery can be fatal. The risk of death is increased in patients who have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

The risks of transsphenoidal surgery should be carefully weighed against the benefits of surgery before making a decision about whether or not to undergo the procedure.