A unique and shared regional pathway to accompany patients with pituitary adenoma and other lesions of the sellar and parasellar region , from diagnosis to treatment up to checks over time: this is the new Diagnostic Therapeutic Assistance Pathway (PDTA) "Pituitary Unit" of the Sardinia Region, approved by the Regional Council at the end of a long and detailed process.
This is an important recognition for ARNAS G. Brotzu : within the new program, the Neurosurgery Complex Unit, directed by Dr. Carlo Conti, has been identified as the sole regional referral center for the surgical treatment of these conditions. Dr. Nicola Desogus , head of the Endoscopic Pituitary and Skull Base Surgery Unit at Brotzu Neurosurgery, was among the main promoters and developers of the program, which is the second such center in Italy after Emilia-Romagna.
THE DISEASE – Pituitary adenomas are generally benign tumors that affect the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that controls numerous body functions through the production of certain hormones. They represent approximately 10-15% of intracranial tumors. In Sardinia, an estimated 30-45 new cases are diagnosed each year, which may require surgical treatment.
The new PDTA was created with the aim of guaranteeing Sardinian patients an organised, multidisciplinary and homogeneous path , avoiding fragmentation in care and encouraging care to be taken by centres with specific expertise.
The model envisages close collaboration between Neurosurgery and Endocrinology, along with other specialties involved in diagnosis and treatment, such as Ophthalmology, Neuroradiology, and Anesthesia . Three endocrinology centers have been identified within the regional network: the Cagliari University Hospital, directed by Francesco Boi (with Francesca Pigliaru as the contact person), the Sassari University Hospital, directed by Francesco Tolu (with Francesca Badessi as the contact person), and the Cagliari Local Health Authority (ASL) directed by Guidi Almerighi (with Paolo Epminonda as the contact person). ARNAS G. Brotzu is the only regional referral surgical center.
