“Since my surgery, my diabetes condition has improved”
In January 2009, a blood test ordered “on a hunch” by Azucena Overman’s endocrinologist revealed that her body was over-producing growth hormone. The condition was being caused by a small tumor on her pituitary – the tiny gland located at the base of the brain that controls growth, thyroid, blood pressure, and other essential body functions.
In her case, Azucena believes the condition might have either caused or aggravated her diabetes. “Since my surgery, my diabetes condition has improved,” she said.
Her tumor was removed by a procedure known as transsphenoidal surgery by Dr. K. Michael Webb. It’s one of a range of minimally invasive surgical techniques available at the NeuroTexas Institute.
“We created our Minimally Invasive Brain & Spine Surgery program to offer patients procedures that are faster, safer and less expensive,” said Philippe Bochaton, Institute director. “They can go home sooner, with far less post-operative pain.”
Transsphnoidal surgery is done by a highly trained surgeon who makes an incision in the back wall of the nose. Through this tiny opening, the surgeon inserts an operating microscope, which allows him to view the surgical field while removing the tumor. Before the advent of this technique, it would have been necessary to access the tumor by removing part of her skull and performing open brain surgery.
Azucena was under general anesthesia during the procedure.
“I don’t even remember anything,” she said. “I woke up with a headache, and I think I took one pain killer. Then I took steroids for a short time. It went really well.”
After recovery, she stayed in Intensive Care until she was cleared to go home.
In fact, her post-operative condition was so positive, she said, “I felt like I must be the happiest person in the ICU.”
“They just needed to observe me,” Azucena said. “It’s like one of the nurses told me – ‘When they tickle your brain they like to keep an eye on you for a while.’”
Azucena, who lives in Round Rock, teaches sixth grade math at the Taylor Middle School.
