Endocrine Abstracts

The care of the patient undergoing pituitary surgery is complex and requires detailed knowledge of the underlying diagnosis of the patient. Although the care of the patient is similar with each type of hormonally active tumour, specific knowledge is paramount for a successful post-operative outcome. In this presentation, the medical and surgical management of common pituitary tumours will be discussed. Patients with Cushing’s disease and acromegaly will be highlighted. The pre- and post-operative nursing assessment, surgical resection of tumour, and post-operative management, including common complications will be discussed. At the end of the lecture, the endocrine nurse will have a working knowledge of the care of the patient undergoing pituitary surgery.