Patient Perspective

Patient Perspective

Roberta Borgo* is a 46-year-old Speech Pathologist who, literally, had her life flash before her eyes on September 4, 2002. Mrs. Borgo stated, "Half of my vision was lost for several minutes. My vision was completely lost for a few minutes later that same day. I quickly contacted my

PCP who scheduled an MRI and visual fields tests." These tests showed a 2.5-cm brain tumor located in the area of her pituitary gland along with the recent hemorrhage that most likely had resulted in the blindness episodes.

She was referred to Dr. Maroon, and she related additional information about her vision and past medical history ."It happened so gradually over the last year that I did not realize I was slowly losing my vision. I thought I was getting to the age when I would need reading glasses," said

Mrs. Borgo. In addition, her menstrual cycle stopped for over 12 years, but she was told that this was most likely due to stress. The lack of the menstrual cycle, the loss of vision, and the visual fields exams that showed diminished peripheral vision led Dr. Maroon to believe she most likely had prolactinoma pituitary tumor causing these problems. A prolactin blood level confirmed his suspicion as the level was elevated well above the normal range.

On October 28, 2002, she underwent endoscopic transnasal trans sphenoidal pituitary surgery to resect this large pituitary tumor and remove the pressure from her optic nerves. "By using the endoscopic transnasal approach, we can minimize the amount of tissue disruption and still have excellent visualization of the anatomy and tumor margins," related Dr. Maroon. "This is a team effort with the help of Dr. Carl Snyderman from ENT service who helps with the transnasal approach and Dr. Amin Kassam, a Neurosurgeon, who assists with the endoscopic approach."

Mrs. Borgo added, " After surgery I was surprised that I felt no pain. Immediately following the procedure, there was dramatic improvement with my vision." She required several extra days in the hospital due to Diabetes Insipidus (Dl), which is excessive loss of water in the form of urination. This condition is controlled with a hormone replacement. Most of her normal

activities have been resumed since being discharged. Mrs. Borgo continues to do well. "The tumor was a benign prolactinoma of the pituitary and her prolactin levels have now normalized. She had no complaints of postoperative pain due to this transnasal endoscopic approach. Her vision and menstrual cycle returned as a result of this surgery," said Dr. Maroon.

*Mrs. Borgo has signed a release permitting this information to be disclosed. No information will be shared unless the parties involved agree in writing. Mrs. Borgo chose to provide this information to help others and to express her gratitude to Dr. Maroon and his staff.

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Last Updated: January 20, 2003