An Emirati woman has a tumor removed through her nasal passages and regains her vision – News

Z Al-Sayyari, an Emirati woman in her 50s, is finally breathing a sigh of relief after having a pituitary tumor that was causing severe vision loss and pain through her nose successfully removed.

A multidisciplinary team of doctors from Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Medical City (BMC) performed this life-changing, minimally invasive procedure. According to medical experts, endoscopic resection of tumors through the nose is considered the most recent advance in pituitary surgery.

For several months, Al-Sayyari had been suffering from headaches and visual impairment. Later, a doctor at a hospital in Al Ain diagnosed him with a pituitary tumor.

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“After feeling the pain and obstruction of vision, I consulted several ophthalmologists in several hospitals. Their consensus was that the problem lay with the nerves in my eyes. One of the doctors arranged a CT scan and revealed a 4cm tumor. The doctor recommended immediate surgery. So I decided to do the procedure at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi,” said Al-Sayyari, 53.

He consulted Dr Mohamed A. Elzoghby, consultant neurosurgery at BMC, who noted that the tumor was pressing on the optic nerve, causing compression and causing vision disturbances, and how surgery could improve his vision.

Dr. Mohamed A Elzoghby

According to Dr. Elzoghby, untreated non-functional pituitary tumors can cause a variety of complications, including headaches, visual problems, hypopituitarism, and in severe cases, spontaneous bleeding leading to pituitary apoplexy – a medical emergency. In addition to visual impairment, Al-Sayyari also suffered from pituitary hypofunction, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances caused by an underactive pituitary gland.

“On the other hand, functional pituitary adenomas (benign tumor) can cause abnormal elevations in hormone levels. This can manifest as elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone, and prolactin, resulting in Cushing’s disease, acromegaly (a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone), or hyperprolactinemia. In rare cases, functional adenomas can lead to secondary hyperthyroidism due to excessive secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone,” Dr. Elzoghby said while explaining the complexities of the case.

He then decided to perform the minimally invasive procedure through the nostril, as the endoscopic approach had several advantages, including improved visualization, a panoramic view, reduced occurrence of nasal side effects, elimination of the need for a nasal speculum, and the absence of postoperative nasal packing.

“Traditional surgical techniques for such a large tumor often involve a craniotomy, a procedure that requires removal of a bone flap from the skull to access the pituitary gland. However, this approach carries significant risks, including potential damage to brain structures, increased postoperative pain, and a prolonged recovery period,” Dr. Elzoghby said, adding that the use of an endoscope allows for clearer vision. and better maneuverability, ensuring precise and complete tumor removal.

The doctor planned the surgery in collaboration with BMC’s neurosurgery team, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Amr El Shawarbi, director of neuroscience at Burjeel Holdings. Dr Vandana Binu, consultant otolaryngologist at BMC, was also part of the team.

The surgery, which lasted three hours, was slightly complicated as the tumor was firm and not soft enough to be aspirated, requiring meticulous dissection by doctors to ensure its complete removal.

‘I can see clearly’

After surgery, the patient’s vision improved significantly, as the compression of the optic nerve caused by the tumor was relieved. Restoring normal pituitary function is expected to alleviate your hormonal imbalances and improve your overall quality of life.

“During the time I was in intensive care, I felt some fatigue, but my joy upon waking up from anesthesia was indescribable. Before surgery, my vision was weak and blurry. However, after the operation I was able to see clearly and accurately. The ophthalmologist had warned me that the ocular nerve had been damaged and would not fully recover. I am immensely grateful to God for his grace and grateful to Dr. Elzoghby,” Al-Sayyari said happily and praised the medical team of the intensive care department.

You will continue to undergo serial hormonal and visual monitoring to confirm healing, as well as serial MRI follow-up at two, six and 12 months.

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