McEwen D R
Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, USA.
AORN J. 1995 Feb;61(2):321-37; quiz 339-42. doi: 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)63885-4.
The pituitary gland is a complex organ controlling many of the body's hormonal and metabolic functions. The gland's complexity and location in the brain have a serious impact on the diagnosis and treatment of pituitary pathology. Several surgical approaches are available to treat pituitary tumors; however, the transsphenoidal approach allows the surgeon to remove the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding intracranial structures. Perioperative nurses should be knowledgeable about pituitary pathology (ie, mass effect, hormonal involvement), patient treatment options, surgical approaches, and possible postoperative complications to provide quality nursing care.
