Endoscopic Skull Base and Pituitary Center

The Endoscopic Skull Base and Pituitary Center at Washington Health, part of the Bell Neuroscience Institute of Silicon Valley, utilizes the latest generation of endoscopic technology combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our mission is to make the care and recovery for patients with pituitary tumors both faster and easier. The center offers high-quality, effective treatment for patients resulting in the best possible outcomes.

Under the direction of renowned neurosurgeon, Sandeep Kunwar, MD, the program treats patients using techniques that promote faster, less painful recovery and require a shorter hospital stay.

Conditions We Treat

The treatment options available at the center offer patients relief from the effects of different types of pituitary tumors including:

• Cushing's disease
• Acromegelia hypopituitarism

A Faster Recovery

Using an endoscopic skull base procedure, surgeons reach the surgical site through the natural openings in the face. This makes recovery much easier for the patient. The procedure usually takes about three hours and most patients are discharged from the hospital within one or two days.

Innovation and Teamwork

The endoscopic skull base approach is a minimally invasive technique, which enables the physician to access the tumor through the sphenoid sinus, an air space behind the nose. Using a high-powered magnifying instrument called a fiberoptic endoscope, our physicians are able to view and remove the tumor through a ½-inch incision. This is a major turnaround from traditional approaches, such as craniotomy, which requires opening the skull to reach the tumor.

Throughout the treatment process, our expert team of physician and nurse specialists with other health care professionals, works closely with referring physicians to optimize outcomes and give patients the best possible experience.

More Information for Patients and Families

Informed patients are able to make better decisions about their own health care. The following links give you access to more information about many neurological diseases and conditions:

Pituitary Network Association 
https://pituitary.org/

National Brain Tumor Foundation 
https://braintumorfoundation.org/

American Brain Tumor Association 
https://www.abta.org/

Brain Tumor Society 
https://braintumor.org/

Visit www.gammaknifeprogram.com for more information, to schedule an appointment or to ask questions.