A pituitary brain tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in the pituitary gland, a small but vital gland located at the base of the brain responsible for regulating various essential hormones. Although often benign, pituitary tumors can cause serious issues such as vision problems, hormonal imbalances, and other neurological symptoms.
When hearing the term “brain tumor surgery,” many people imagine a major procedure involving opening the skull. However, advances in modern medical technology now allow for far less invasive approaches. This was the case for a 65-year-old patient from Lampung, who underwent pituitary tumor removal through the nose at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital. The procedure was performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS, or Dr. Joy, a renowned neurosurgeon known for his expertise in treating various brain tumor cases.
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Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Before the pituitary tumor was discovered, the patient had experienced a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), which resembles mild stroke symptoms. This prompted an MRI to evaluate the brain’s blood vessels. Instead of detecting bleeding or blockage, the MRI revealed a pituitary tumor measuring approximately 3 cm.
The patient did not experience typical pituitary tumor symptoms such as vision disturbances or hormonal changes. However, due to the tumor’s size, several doctors recommended surgery. The family then began searching for the right hospital and specialist for pituitary tumor treatment and were eventually referred to Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, a neurosurgeon highly regarded for his skill in managing complex brain tumor cases.
Pituitary Brain Tumor Surgery Through the Nose by Dr. Joy
During consultation, Dr. Joy explained that the tumor could be removed without opening the skull. The technique used was endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal tumor removal, a modern surgical method that allows tumor extraction through the nasal passage using an endoscope. This approach eliminates the need for a scalp incision, reduces surgical risks, minimizes postoperative pain, and accelerates recovery.
For this procedure, Dr. Joy utilized advanced technologies such as neuronavigation, ultrasound, Doppler, and high-resolution endoscopic systems to ensure precision and safety throughout the surgery. Postoperative MRI confirmed that the tumor had been completely removed. Critical structures such as the optic nerves and hormonal gland returned to their normal positions.
Postoperative Recovery and Outcome
The patient’s recovery progressed remarkably well. He underwent surgery on a Thursday and was already discharged the following Monday due to his stable condition. The unexpectedly short hospital stay was a tremendous relief for the patient and his family, especially considering that traditional brain surgery typically requires a longer healing period.
Three months after surgery, follow-up MRI showed a clean surgical cavity with no remaining tumor. The patient returned to normal activities without any visible signs of surgery, as the entire procedure was performed through the nose without any scalp incision.
Beyond the excellent medical outcome, the patient expressed high satisfaction with the services at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital—from the responsive medical staff and friendly environment to the overall comfort during hospitalization.
This case highlights Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital’s capability in treating complex brain tumor cases using modern, minimally invasive methods, offering new hope for many patients facing similar conditions.
Dr. Joy: Indonesia’s Distinguished Neurosurgeon with Numerous Achievements
Dr. Joy is widely recognized as a leading figure in neurosurgery in Indonesia. Practicing at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, he once achieved an Indonesian World Record (MURI) for completing a PhD in the fastest time within the medical field. His doctoral program at the University of Helsinki, Finland, was completed in just 18 months and 12 days.
Throughout his training, he specialized in brain aneurysms, neurointervention, and cerebral catheterization research, including advanced training at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. Dr. Joy is also among the few neurosurgeons experienced in performing Awake Brain Surgery, a procedure where the patient remains conscious during brain surgery.
With experience in more than 1,000 neurosurgical procedures—ranging from brain tumor operations and aneurysm treatments to DSA procedures—Dr. Joy is considered one of the most skilled and respected neurosurgeons in Indonesia.
Dr. Joy’s Consultation Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS (Dr. Joy) is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Monday: by appointment
- Tuesday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Wednesday: by appointment
- Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
If you are experiencing similar symptoms or wish to consult about a brain tumor condition, do not hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital and meet Dr. Joy.
To make your visit easier, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to check queue numbers and access complete information.
