Thursday, November 4, 2010

Pituitary Surgery & Sinus Infection: Why you may want to consult your ENT doctor prior to surgery


The practice of medicine is a thinker’s art, the practice of surgery a plumber’s.” ~ Martin H. Fisher

In my last post, I briefly mentioned some of the complications that may be associated with transsphenoidal surgery (see here for more information). Although not serious, one of the more common concerns involves a sinus infection, which may cause a number of bothersome symptoms such as: facial pressure (in the eyes, nose and cheek area), stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, brain fog and thick nasal discharge. Transsphenoidal means “through the sphenoid sinus” (one of the facial air spaces behind the nose), and so the neurosurgeon essentially inserts his surgical instruments (such as a microscope, endoscope, nasal speculum, and so on) through the nose and sphenoid bone, in order to access and remove the pituitary tumor. This procedure may lead to inflammation of the sinuses, which can ultimately block the nasal passage and inhibit the normal drainage of bacteria. These bacteria multiply and therefore frequently result in a sinus infection.


Treating my sinus infection

Prior to my transsphenoidal surgery this year, I was suitably advised of the risk of sinus infection and told that in such an event I should visit my general practitioner in order to get a prescription for antibiotics. In most cases, where the blockage is caused solely by post-op inflammation, this may be a sufficient means of relieving sinus congestion. I informed my neurosurgeon of the fact that I had already undergone three previous sinus surgeries (the last one only being carried out at the end of 2009) and he assured me that this would not pose any problems. So, when I discovered I had a sinus infection, I readily went to see my GP and completed ten days of Amoxicillin antibiotics, along with almost three boxes of over-the-counter Mucinex (it was only after I’d finished ingesting the second box that I discovered my GP had been remiss in establishing that Mucinex-*D* was the correct form). Unfortunately, I observed no noticeable changes in my symptoms and a follow-up appointment with my neurosurgeon reassured me that due to post-operative inflammation, it would likely take several months for the infection to clear up. My surgeon also recommended sinus rinses (such as the neti pot), and I ardently commenced with the NeilMed sinus rinses on a twice a day basis. For more than a month, I optimistically continued with the rinses, and although some improvement was shown, it seemed minimal.

If you have previously undergone sinus surgery, it may be worthwhile consulting your ENT doctor BEFORE undergoing transsphenoidal surgery.



The ENT doctor

A fellow patient’s wife (and now friend) thoughtfully recommended an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor who had experience in cleaning out the material from the sinus cavities following pituitary surgery. I eagerly made an appointment with him and underwent a CT scan, before regrettably discovering that all my previous sinus surgeries had been completely destroyed by my relatively recent transsphenoidal surgery. I was astounded. It seems that as my neurosurgeon entered my sinus cavity, he inadvertently crushed my septum and rearranged the superior turbinates via his speculum. Nasal turbinates are bony prominences that structure the inside of the nose. My neurosurgeon had pushed them outwards, so that they ended up plugging up my sinuses. My ENT doctor therefore explained that I would need a fourth sinus surgery in order to reconstruct all the damage and alleviate my symptoms. Unfortunately, in my case it is likely that I shall need to undergo another transsphenoidal surgery at some point in the future (post-operative blood work suggests there is another microscopic tumor or residual tumor)…. Which will ultimately lead to yet ANOTHER sinus surgery. For now, therefore, my doctor recommended Prednisone steroids and 6 weeks of AMOX-CLAV. I am hoping that I will soon establish when my next pituitary surgery will likely be, so that I can make a suitable decision about when to undergo my next sinus surgery. Hopefully, both my ENT doctor and neurosurgeon can work together in taking care of both the brain and sinus issues associated with my next transsphenoidal surgery. I believe that such a situation should have indeed arisen with my last transsphenoidal surgery, and I am perturbed that my surgeon did not take extra measures to ensure that the structure of my nose facilitated normal function after undergoing such a rigorous procedure.


Summary

This post is not intended to criticize my neurosurgeon. After all, his priorities are to remove the pituitary tumor safely and effectively, without causing any serious long-term damage. He is an excellent surgeon, and I am sufficiently confident in his work and hope that he will carry out my next transsphenoidal surgery. A family member used a clever analogy in order to describe his efforts: “He saved the house from burning in the fire, but broke down the front door in the process!”


Further information



Sinus Infection Information from emedicinehealth

19 comments:

  1. thank you for sharing your experience

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  2. Hi there, I have just read your blog and found it very useful. I had transphenoidal surgery 18 months ago and since then have lost count of how many sinus infections I've had. I'm fed up of taking 2 week courses of antibiotics....which then cause thrush! I have just spoken to a cranial osteopathist who sounded quite positive about that helping. However, just waiting for my GP to ring me this evening for yet another script but will ask for an ENT referral. Thanks again. Bex

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  3. Hi Bex, I totally understand and empathize with your situation, but hope that a referral to an ENT doctor will help alleviate those recurrent sinus infections. In respect of the thrush issue, I now take a good probiotic, although I've heard that natural live yogurt can also be helpful. Alternatively, your doctor might want to prescribe something stronger, such as Diflucan (fluconazole) tablets. Best wishes, Di

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  4. I underwent a transphenoidal resection of a pituitary macro adenoma in November 2010. Prior to surgery I never had sinus problems. Since surgery and still to this day, I have MANY sinus problems. I tried to go back to the ENT that performed the first and last phase of the surgery but he would not see me in his office since I had Tricare as a secondary insurance to my primary insurance Regence. Anyhow, so the I went to a different ENT doctor and all he did was recommend sinus sprays, saline rinse or the Neti pot. I am frustrated by the feeling that my sinuses no longer drain proper and I am constantly dealing with sinus stuffiness and mucus accumulation that does not always blow out my nose....:/ On one hand I am glad my tumor is gone but on the other hand the sinus stuff really takes its toll on my day to day. Anyhow...online seeing if others have similar problems and ran across this posting.

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    1. I totally understand your frustration. I'm dealing with the same annoying symptoms but my CT revealed permanent damage, which unfortunately cannot be repaired. I hope that your situation will be more fruitful though. Presumably, you have had a CT-Scan to try to find out what is actually causing the obstruction?

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  5. Thanks for sharing your story. Even my cousin is in same condition so I understand your condition.

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    1. You're welcome and thanks. Hope your cousin's health will improve.

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  6. Had pituitary surgery in 2015. Since then I've had many sinus infections. The last one turned into meningitis and put me in the hospital for 6 days.Can't ignore sinus trouble because it can turn into something that can kill you.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear your story and thank you for bringing awareness to such a serious complication.

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  7. I am nearly in tears (relieved) to find your post! I thought I was crazy thinking that I could have a sinus infection going on nearly a year now.

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    1. You are certainly not alone, but I hope you manage to find some relief. I still need to manage chronic sinus symptoms using various therapies, although their severity fluctuates over time. Please feel free to DM me at gallantstridesblog@gmail.com.

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  8. Your post is amazing which is about ENT problems and solution.This is very helpful for me...

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  9. Good to know I'm not alone in my suffering. I had a large pituitary tumor removed last October and have had so many sinus issues since. I had some sinus problems before surgery and had sinus surgery many, many years ago...but this seems so much worse and chronic. Constantly on RX and steroids; been doing nasal rinses since having surgery....real bad post nasal drip. It's just awful. Wish I could put an end to it. Doc did another CT - said surgery went great. Is suggesting allergy shots....Hoping that helps sinuses....

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    1. Hope the allergy shots will help you, Donna. I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your story. I am in the same boat. Also underwent a pituitary surgery in 2015. Since then suffering from chronic sinus infections. Now waiting for the ENT appointment.
    I was wondering if any of you are suffering from snoring caused by the sinus infection? Can thay be related?

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  11. Wow. Thank you for sharing your story. I am a 74 year old female and have had sinus issues for years. One day I felt very ill and went to my nurse practioner. She said. "You likely have the flu and the last place you should be is in this office and waiting room with "old people and kids in the waiting room". I immediately went to ER where they discovered my sodium level was dangerously low. I was in hospital for one week. Once the sodium level was controlled to their satisfaction I was told "there is nothing wrong with you" and ushered out the door. So I found a new doctor and the diagnostic process started. Turns out I have a pituitary adenoma. Comfirmed with an MRI. It took 3 months to get the MRI and another 3 months wait to see a specialist on March 10, 2018. I am certainly anxious about what's waiting for me. My family doctor's office sent another request to local hospital for another MRI. They claim they never got the request. Months and Months of testing and the finding and miscommunication. You can imagine that I wish Miss Communication would leave the building. Thank you for your brilliant blog. I wish you the very best with your treatment and look foward to hearing more about your progress.

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  12. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging.. nasal probiotics

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