How to Recover From Pituitary Cyst Surgery

The pituitary gland or the hypophysis is a gland which secretes numerous hormones. It is located in the brain and subdivided into the anterior, intermediate, and posterior lobes. Surgery may involve actual removal of the whole pituitary gland called hypophysectomy or removal of the cyst on the gland. Understanding the effects of the surgery and following a few simple steps can help you recover from pituitary cyst surgery.

Things You'll Need

• measuring cup
• Large pillow to keep your head elevated

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep the head of your bed elevated. The rule of gravity should be applied to promote drainage from the surgical site for at least for two weeks after the operation. It relieves the brain from pressure and prevents accumulation of fluid in the cranial cavity.

• 2

  Avoid a valsalva maneuver. This is when you breathe out forcefully, which is commonly done during defecation and exertion. This greatly increases the intracranial pressure. Constant increase in pressure can damage the brain and lead to permanent damage. Blowing your nose should also be avoided for the same reason. It can also lead to possible leakage of cranial contents if transsphenoidal (through the nose) hypophysectomy was performed.

• 3

  Measure your urine ouput. Your surgery may impede an antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin which is secreted by the posterior part of the pituitary gland, resulting in excessive urination. This condition is called diabetes insipidus. Urine output can reach one liter in a matter of two hours. You can suffer from dehydration and organ failure if untreated due to decrease blood plasma volume. If diabetes insipidus does occur, take a synthetic vasopressin replacement as prescribed by your doctor.

• 4

  Take necessary hormone replacements. If the pituitary gland is totally removed, it is necessary to have a hormone replacement therapy for life. Its absence alters many body systems. Menstruation ceases and infertility can occur if total or near-total removal of the pituitary gland is performed. Children are additionally given growth hormones to continue with their growth until puberty. In diabetes insipidus, lifetime intake of vasopressin is indicated. Your physician will discuss replacement therapy, along with its potential side effects, with you prior to surgery.