Hypophysectomy

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 Glucocorticoids and Thyroid Medications.

Complications
Hypophysectomy performed at any age causes atrophy of the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as asthenia and cachexia. When the procedure is performed before sexual maturity, the reproductive tract remains undeveloped and non-functional. There is also a general lack of growth. If performed after sexual maturity, there is loss of reproductive function along with atrophy of gonads and accessory reproductive structures.