Postdoc
Tanja Juhl Mikkelsen
Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital
| Project management | ||
| Project status | Open | |
| Data collection dates | ||
| Start | 01.09.2025 | |
| End | 31.01.2028 | |
HYPOCARE-Project: Optimization of Postoperative Care for Patients undergoing Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery for a Pituitary Adenoma
Short summary
The project concerns pituitary adenomas, benign tumors and the most common pituitary disease. They can affect hormone balance and cause symptoms like vision problems and hormonal disorders. Treatment involves surgery and postoperative care to prevent complications. The aim is to implement new procedures inspired by Barrow Neurological Institute to reduce hospital stays, readmissions, and hydrocortisone use-while increasing patient satisfaction despite earlier discharge.
Rationale
Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors and the most common disease affecting the pituitary gland. These tumors can interfere with the body's hormonal balance and lead to symptoms such as visual disturbances and endocrine dysfunction. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor followed by close postoperative monitoring to prevent complications like fluid imbalance and insufficient cortisol production, which is essential for maintaining vital body functions. The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate new postoperative care procedures inspired by best practices from leading centers such as the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI). BNI has demonstrated success in reducing hospital stays, readmission rates, and dependency on hydrocortisone treatment-while maintaining or even improving patient satisfaction despite earlier discharge to home care. This project seeks to adapt and apply similar strategies in a local clinical setting to improve outcomes and optimize resource use.
Description of the cohort
The study includes patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma who are postoperatively transferred to the Department of Endocrinology M, Odense University Hospital. Forty patients will be managed using optimized postoperative procedures. Outcomes such as length of stay, readmissions, hydrocortisone dosage, and fluid imbalance development and treatment will be assessed. These will be compared to a retrospective cohort of 80 patients previously treated under standard protocols.
Data and biological material
Data will include electronic health record information such as demographic data, diagnosis, surgical details, medication (e.g., hydrocortisone dosing), length of stay, readmissions, and clinical outcomes. Blood samples collected during hospitalization and follow-up will be used to monitor cortisol levels and fluid balance. Postoperative fluid restriction protocols and patient responses will be closely documented, including after discharge. Patients will be closely followed by a specialized endocrinological nurse after discharge to ensure consistent care. No additional biological material beyond routine clinical samples (e.g., blood) will be collected.
Collaborating researchers and departments
Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital