hypophysectomy /hīpof′əsek″təmē/ [Gk, hypo + phyein, to grow, ektomē, excision] , surgical removal of the pituitary gland. It may be performed to slow the growth and spread of endocrine-dependent malignant tumors or to excise a pituitary tumor. The gland is removed only if other treatment, such as x-ray therapy, radioactive implants, or cryosurgery, fails to destroy all pituitary tissue. With general anesthesia, the gland is completely removed. Postoperative nursing care is as for a craniotomy. Levels of hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and antidiuretic hormone, are monitored, and replacement therapy is begun as needed. Urinary output is measured every 2 hours for several days to monitor for diabetes insipidus, and an amount in excess of 300 mL in any 2-hour period is reported. The patient is closely monitored for early signs of thyroid crisis, Addisonian crisis, electrolyte imbalance, hemorrhage, hypothermia, and meningitis. −hypophysectomize, v.
