The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has reached a remarkable milestone: Over 1000 pituitary adenoma surgeries have been performed endoscopically by a single surgeon, Prof. Rajesh Chhabra, Senior Neurosurgeon, over the past 7 years—a distinction that places this achievement among the largest single-surgeon series globally.
“Despite advances in medicine, we continue to see patients presenting with large or even giant pituitary tumors, often due to delayed diagnosis or limited awareness,” said Prof. Rajesh Chhabra. “This milestone reflects not only surgical success but also the importance of early detection and the collaborative strength of a dedicated team.”
This achievement would not have been possible without the skilled multidisciplinary team at PGIMER:
• Prof. Rajesh Chhabra and Dr. Apinderpreet Singh — Neurosurgery
• Dr. Ramandeep Virk — ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
• Dr. Pinaki Dutta and Dr. Rama Ahluwalia — Endocrinology
• Dr. Chirag Kamal Ahuja — Neuroradiology
• Dr. Nidhi Panda and Team — Neuroanaesthesia
The Hidden Power of the Master Gland
The pituitary gland—a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain—plays a crucial role in regulating many of the body’s vital functions. Known as the “master gland,” it controls the production of essential hormones including those responsible for growth, thyroid function, stress response, reproductive health, and fluid balance. Despite its small size, the pituitary gland holds the key to our body’s hormonal harmony.
Due to its strategic location near optic nerves (responsible for vision) and critical blood vessels (carotid arteries), abnormalities of the pituitary gland—especially pituitary tumors (adenomas)—can lead to serious health problems. These tumors account for nearly 15% of all brain tumors, making them the third most common brain tumors after gliomas and meningiomas. Fortunately, the vast majority are non-cancerous, but if left untreated, they can cause vision loss, hormonal imbalances, life-threatening crises, and even coma.
Surgical Evolution: From Open Surgery to Minimally Invasive Endoscopy
In earlier decades, pituitary tumors were operated on by opening the skull (craniotomy)—a procedure associated with considerable post-operative risks. With medical advancements, the microscopic transnasal approach gained popularity, significantly reducing morbidity. The real breakthrough, however, came with the advent of endoscopic transnasal pituitary surgery, which has now become the gold standard worldwide for most pituitary tumors, offering a safer, scarless, and faster recovery.
Together, we employ minimally invasive endoscopic transnasal techniques that enable:
Safe and scarless surgery through the natural nasal passage
Minimal hospital stay and faster recovery
Preservation of vision and hormonal function
Reduced complication rates
Why Do Giant Pituitary Tumors Still Occur?
In India, patients often present with giant or advanced pituitary tumors due to:
• Late diagnosis: Early warning signs such as headaches, vision changes, or subtle hormonal disturbances are frequently ignored.
• Limited public awareness: Many are unaware that these symptoms could point to a pituitary problem.
• Fragmented healthcare: Smaller centers may manage minor cases, while complex or larger tumors require timely referral to tertiary care centers like PGIMER. Early Detection Saves Sight—and Lives
The team at PGIMER urges the public to watch for warning signs such as:
• Persistent headaches
• Gradual vision loss
• Unexplained weight gain or changes in body features
• Menstrual irregularities or hormonal disturbances
A simple MRI scan and hormonal evaluation can lead to early diagnosis, enabling safer and more effective treatment.
Managing pituitary tumors requires not only technical excellence but also: Meticulous surgical planning,Continuous post-operative monitoring, A well-trained team of resident doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.
The high volume of cases at PGIMER ensures world-class training for young doctors, who carry forward this expertise across India and abroad.
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is India’s premier academic and healthcare institution, known for: the State-of-the-art facilities, Advanced neurosurgical innovation and Excellence in multidisciplinary patient care
The successful treatment of over 1000 pituitary tumor cases endoscopically by a single surgeon underscores PGIMER’s role as a national and regional leader in skull base and pituitary surgery—aligning with high-volume global standards where experience is key to superior patient outcomes.
