What is "hypophysectomy"

n. (context surgery English) the surgical removal of the hypophysis (pituitary gland)

n. surgical removal of the pituitary gland

Hypophysectomy is the surgical removal of the hypophysis (pituitary gland). It is most commonly performed to treat tumors, especially craniopharyngioma tumors. Sometimes it is used to treat Cushing's syndrome due to pituitary adenoma. It is also applied in neurosciences (in experiments with lab animals) to understand the functioning of hypophysis.

Medications that are given as hormone replacement therapy following a complete hypophysectomy (removal of the pituitary gland) are often glucocorticoids. Secondary Addison's and hyperlipidemia can occur. Thyroid hormone is useful in controlling cholesterol metabolism that has been affected by pituitary deletion.