Non-Functioning Adenoma
Macroadenomas causing vision problems or headache — decompressive resection via transsphenoidal route.
Special Service
Pituitary Tumor Surgery in Dubai & Tehran
Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors — no facial scar, typically 2–3 days in hospital, and specialist care with Prof. Giv Sharifi.
Transsphenoidal Endoscopic Approach
Skull Base & Pituitary Specialist
25+ Years Experience
Dubai & Tehran
Overview
Expert Pituitary Surgery in Dubai & Tehran
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine organ at the base of the brain. It controls critical hormones — from growth and metabolism to reproduction and stress response. When a pituitary adenoma or skull base lesion develops, it can cause hormone imbalance, headaches, and vision problems as the tumor presses on the optic chiasm.
Prof. Giv Sharifi specialises in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery — accessing the tumor through the nose rather than opening the skull. This minimally invasive pituitary approach avoids visible facial scars, typically shortens hospital stay to 2–3 days, and achieves high rates of tumor removal while preserving pituitary function whenever possible.
- Free consultation — MRI pituitary protocol review
- Hormone and visual field assessment coordination
- Endoscopic and extended skull base techniques
- Post-operative endocrine follow-up guidance
What Is the Pituitary Gland?
Why pituitary tumors matter — and when surgery becomes necessary.
The pituitary gland sits in the sella turcica at the skull base, connected to the hypothalamus. It secretes hormones that regulate the thyroid, adrenal glands, gonads, growth, and fluid balance. A pituitary tumor — most commonly a benign adenoma — may be discovered incidentally on MRI or present with symptoms.
When is surgery needed? Indications include vision loss from chiasmal compression, hormone excess (acromegaly, Cushing's disease, prolactinoma resistant to medication), neurological deficit, apoplexy, or a growing tumor despite observation. Prof. Sharifi evaluates each case individually — surgery is not always the first step, but when indicated, the endoscopic route offers significant advantages over traditional craniotomy.
Pituitary & Sellar Conditions We Treat
Comprehensive surgical management of tumors and lesions at the skull base.
Prolactinoma
Prolactin-secreting tumors — surgery when medication fails or is not tolerated.
Acromegaly
Growth hormone-secreting adenomas — surgical debulking as primary or adjunctive treatment.
Cushing's Disease
ACTH-secreting microadenomas — precise endoscopic removal with endocrine remission goals.
Craniopharyngioma
Skull base lesions near the pituitary — extended endoscopic or combined approaches.
Rathke's Cleft Cyst
Sellar cysts causing headache or pituitary dysfunction — fenestration and drainage.
Pituitary Apoplexy
Acute hemorrhage into an adenoma — urgent decompression to save vision and life.
Recurrent Pituitary Tumor
Re-operation after prior transsphenoidal surgery — careful endoscopic revision.
Advantages of Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
Why transsphenoidal endoscopy is the preferred approach for most pituitary tumors.
No Facial Scar
Access through the nostril and sphenoid sinus — no craniotomy incision, better cosmetic outcome.
Wide Endoscopic View
Panoramic visualisation of the sella, cavernous sinus borders, and suprasellar extension.
Shorter Hospital Stay
Most patients discharge within 2–3 days after uncomplicated surgery — faster than open approaches.
High Removal Rates
Experienced endoscopic technique achieves excellent resection rates for macroadenomas and microadenomas.
Pituitary Function Preservation
Goal-directed dissection to protect normal gland tissue and avoid lifelong hormone replacement when possible.
Extended Skull Base Access
Endoscopic endonasal approach for selected tumors extending into the clivus or suprasellar space.
The Transsphenoidal Procedure
Under general anaesthesia, an endoscope is guided through the nasal cavity into the sphenoid sinus. The sellar floor is opened and the dura exposed. The tumor is carefully debulked and removed using micro-instruments while monitoring cranial nerves and vascular structures.
Intraoperative navigation and, when available, MRI confirm extent of resection. CSF leak repair with fat graft or nasoseptal flap is performed when needed. Prof. Sharifi's team coordinates endocrine and ophthalmology follow-up for hormone levels and visual field testing.
From Diagnosis to Recovery
A clear pathway through pituitary tumor evaluation and treatment.
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1
MRI & Hormone Workup
Pituitary protocol MRI, blood hormone panel, and visual field testing if vision symptoms present.
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2
Surgical Planning
Discuss medication vs. surgery, tumour type, approach (pure endoscopic vs. extended), and expected outcomes.
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3
Endoscopic Surgery
Transsphenoidal tumour removal — typically 2–4 hours depending on size and extension.
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4
Endocrine Follow-Up
Post-operative hormone monitoring, vision reassessment, and MRI surveillance at 3–6 months.
Why Choose Prof. Sharifi for Pituitary Surgery?
Skull Base Expertise
25+ years in cranial and skull base neurosurgery — pituitary surgery integrated with broader brain tumour experience.
Minimally Invasive First
Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach preferred over craniotomy whenever tumour anatomy allows.
Multidisciplinary Care
Coordination with endocrinology and ophthalmology for hormone management and vision monitoring.
Dubai & Tehran
Pituitary surgery in Dubai or affordable excellence in Tehran — medical tourism support available.
Locations
Pituitary Surgeon in Dubai & Tehran
Consult for pituitary adenoma, vision changes, and hormone disorders at either clinic.
🇦🇪 Dubai, UAE
City Walk Clinic
+971 50 579 3627
🇮🇷 Tehran, Iran
Tavanir Clinic
+98 912 96 46 397
Pituitary Surgery — Frequently Asked Questions
Is pituitary tumor surgery available in Dubai?
Yes. Prof. Giv Sharifi offers pituitary tumor surgery in Dubai using an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach at City Walk, and also in Tehran (Tavanir) — with free consultations for local and international patients.
What is endoscopic pituitary surgery?
It is a minimally invasive transsphenoidal procedure where the surgeon removes a pituitary tumour through the nose using an endoscope — without a facial or scalp incision. Most patients stay 2–3 days in hospital.
Who needs surgery for a pituitary adenoma?
Surgery is recommended for vision loss from optic chiasm compression, hormone-secreting tumours not controlled by drugs, large or growing adenomas, pituitary apoplexy, or when tissue diagnosis is required. Small incidentalomas may be observed.
Is pituitary surgery available in Dubai?
Yes. Prof. Giv Sharifi is a DHA-licensed neurosurgeon offering endoscopic pituitary surgery at City Walk, Dubai, and Tavanir, Tehran — with free consultations for local and international patients.
Will I need hormone replacement after surgery?
Some patients develop temporary or permanent pituitary hormone deficiency after surgery, depending on tumour size and pre-operative function. Endocrine follow-up monitors cortisol, thyroid, growth hormone, and sex hormones — replacement is started when needed.
How is vision monitored before and after surgery?
Formal visual field testing (perimetry) documents chiasmal compression. Improvement often occurs within weeks of decompression, though severe or long-standing deficits may be partially irreversible.
Can international patients have pituitary surgery in Iran?
Yes. Medical tourism patients can arrange transsphenoidal surgery in Tehran with pre-travel MRI review, hospital booking, and English-speaking support. See our medical tourism page.
Related Services & Articles
Expert Pituitary Care — Book a Free Consultation
Discuss your MRI, hormone results, and surgical options with Prof. Sharifi — Dubai, Tehran, or online.