When A Pituitary Tumor Threatened Vision: A Patient’s Story of Successful Surgery

From Fear to Full Recovery: A Patient’s Experience with Pituitary Tumor Surgery

When David M. was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, he faced an uphill battle. An MRI revealed the a large pituitary adenoma located dangerously close to the optic nerve.

The threat was real: without pituitary tumor surgery, he could lose his vision.

This benign pituitary tumor had grown large and was situated too close to the optic nerve, making the tumor removal extremely challenging. For David, a successful outcome depended on finding the right specialists.

David, 68, sought answers across the country,  consulting with 12 neurosurgeons in Chicago, and specialists at Mayo clinic and Cleveland clinic. But time and again, he was told that pituitary surgery wasn’t an option due to the tumor’s size and location.

That changed in May 2021, when he was referred to Dr. Daniel Kelly, Amy Eisenberg, NP, and Dr. Chester Griffiths at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. From their first meeting, David felt a shift—not just in medical direction, but in tone.

“They were compassionate and thorough in detailing the procedure I needed. They expressed confidence they could make me well. While they gave me no guarantees, they did an amazing job.”

Successful Pituitary Tumor Surgery at PNI

Thanks to their extensive skill and experience with minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approaches, the team performed a successful pituitary tumor surgery that not only removed the tumor but preserved his vision. This transsphenoidal approach allows surgeons to access the pituitary gland through the nasal cavity.

Today, David says he’s in the best health he’s experienced in six years.

That recovery has sparked a new purpose. Now a motivational speaker, David shares his story of resilience— ‘Overcoming Adversity: From Fears to Cheers’—with college and professional sports teams, emphasizing the importance of pushing through fear—and honoring the team at PNI who helped him do just that.

“My successful pituitary tumor surgery was performed 18 months after I suffered and recovered from a stroke. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Daniel Kelly, Amy Eisenberg, and Dr. Chester Griffiths for comprising the team that gave me this second chance at life.

Not only did they save my eyesight, they gave me confidence. I highly recommend them to any prospective patient seeking the best possible skill and care. If you’ve tried the rest, see the best at PNI.”

Connect with Our Pituitary Tumor Specialists

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor and are seeking expert care, the team at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is here to help. Our specialists are leaders in minimally invasive pituitary tumor surgery and are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive treatment. Contact us today to learn more about your options and see if our team is the right fit for your journey to recovery.

About Dr. Daniel Kelly

Dr. Daniel Kelly, a board-certified neurosurgeon, is the Director and one of the founders of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Director of the Pacific Brain Tumor Center and Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center, and is Professor of Neurosurgery at Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Considered to be one of the top neurosurgeons in the US, he is a multiple recipient of the Patients’ Choice Award and Southern California Super Doctors distinction.

About Dr. Chester Griffiths

Dr. Chester Griffiths, is board certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has an extensive 30-year experience in endoscopic endonasal sinus surgery for skull base tumors and pituitary tumors, sinonasal cancers including mucosal melanomas, and in the treatment of facial and nasal trauma, cosmetic deformities, sinus infections, and disorders of smell and taste. His practice also includes treatment of sleep apnea, snoring, difficulty breathing, disorders of the larynx, thyroid tumors and other head and neck cancers with an emphasis on viral HPV related cancers.

About Amy Eisenberg

Amy Eisenberg, MSN, ARNC, CNRN, is an experienced neurosurgery nurse practitioner at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute focusing on brain tumor and pituitary disorders. Her clinical responsibilities support the efforts of the neurosurgery and neuroscience teams. In addition, she coordinates the Clinical Fellowship Program and the Neuroscience Nursing Symposium each year.