Hrayr Shahinian Discusses the Endoscopic Procedure That Revolutionizes Pituitary Surgery

Oct. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Hrayr Shahinian, Founder of the Skull Base Institute - One of the most extraordinary advances pioneered at the Skull Base Institute is the minimally invasive, fully endoscopic approach to treating pituitary tumors (pituitary adenomas) and other skull base disorders. This innovative procedure utilizes a tiny endoscope - 2.7 mm wide and 20 cm long - with angled tips that is inserted through the nostril and into the skull base. This approach offers numerous advantages in terms of the surgery and recovery period.

First, since the camera is "placed" at the tip of the endoscope, surgeons have a vivid panoramic view of the brain. They can look around corners and make a full visual assessment. This panoramic view also provides surgeons with the ability to remove the entire tumor in most cases. This process is in sharp contrast to the traditional approach, which requires viewing the tumor site through a microscope outside the skull at a focal distance that limits visibility.

Since the point of entry is through a nostril, no incision is required. Consequently, there is no scarring, no nasal packing, and the brain is undisturbed. The time required for the actual surgical procedure, the length of hospital stay and overall recovery time are dramatically reduced. Patients return home within 24-48 hours of surgery and enjoy a rapid overall recovery, and return to work and normal activities.

The Fully Endoscopic technique was simultaneously and independently pioneered at the Skull Base Institute and another major university medical center in Pittsburgh in 1996. Since then more than one thousand patients with pituitary tumors from all fifty states of our nation and international patients from countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, Switzerland have sought surgical care at the Skull Base Institute.

Today, our research and development is focused on yet further innovating the field of Minimally Invasive Brain and Skull Base surgery in general and pituitary surgery in particular. High definition intraoperative digital imaging, 3D endoscopy, custom designed microinstruments, headsup displays and even nanotechnology are all being tapped in order to provide our patients with the most cutting edge and yet least invasive approaches to rid them of their tumors.

Hrayr Shahinian, M.D. is regarded as a pioneer in the field of medicine for his revolutionary use of minimally invasive endoscopy in performing skull base surgery.

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Hrayr Shahinian, M.D. is regarded as a pioneer in the field of medicine for his revolutionary use of minimally invasive endoscopy in performing skull base surgery.