Arizona horseshoe bend in Glen Canyon

Pituitary Center

About Our Center

Being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor or pituitary disorder probably set many questions racing through your mind. Because pituitary tumors and the diseases they cause are rare, many people have no idea what to expect when they are diagnosed, and they often don’t know where to turn next.

If you’re reading this, you’ve turned to the right place. At the Pituitary Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, our specialists believe that patient education and involvement form a vital foundation for the successful treatment of pituitary tumors and disorders. And, because our doctors and nurses treat more people with pituitary disorders than any other team in the Southwest, you can rest assured that you will be in experienced hands once you decide on a course of treatment.

Learn more about the pituitary gland location and how this gland functions.

To learn more about our team of pituitary experts or to request an appointment, please call (602) 406-7585.

The Barrow Difference

Mastering the Master Gland: The Most Experienced Center in the Southwest

No other hospital in the Southwest performs more pituitary surgeries on a yearly basis than Barrow Neurological Institute. In fact, 2018 we performed six times as many pituitary procedures as any other hospital in the state. Patients travel from around the country to come to Barrow. Patients who have surgery by an experienced surgeon have better outcomes than patients who have surgery by a surgeon who only performs the surgery a few times a year.

This experience means that our doctors and nurses have seen nearly every kind of pituitary tumor and disorder imaginable. With this exposure, they have gained invaluable insight that helps them be efficient and effective in administering your care.

This graph shows that the pituitary center and barrow neurological institute performs more than twice as many pituitary surgeries than all other hospitals in Arizona combined.
Pituitary Surgeries in Arizona Hospitals in 2018
doctors researching on a laptop

Team Approach

Many pituitary disorders can cause problems in your body far beyond the pituitary gland. Our location at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s—the largest hospital in Arizona—means that Barrow patients also have access to a tremendous array of specialists.

Clinical Trials and Research

Not only is Barrow a place to receive the most advanced treatment and care for your pituitary tumor or disorder, we are also a place where you can help contribute to the scientific understanding and therapeutic research surrounding acromegaly, adenomas, gigantism, and other disorders that implicate the pituitary gland.

doctor and patient talking

Certified Neuroscience Nurses

The experience of our staff doesn’t drop off outside of our neurosurgeons and neurologists. All of our nurses at the Barrow Pituitary Center are required to undergo additional rigorous training in the nuances and complexities of advanced neuroscience nursing practice. This guarantees that whenever you see a Barrow nurse at your bedside, you will know you are receiving expert care.

In fact, many of the surgical treatments and medical protocols used on patients here were researched and developed on site and have spread to many other top hospitals the world over.

All of Your Appointments in One Location

Because there is such a diversity of medical knowledge within minutes of our doors, odds are that you will be able to concentrate all of your necessary care under one roof. At Barrow, we refer to this as having a “medical home.” And, as you would expect with anyplace called home, with it comes convenience, comfort, and compassionate care.

Portrait of Patricia Buckley

Dr. Yuen was able to quickly assess the situation and, over time, has literally given me my life back. He gave me back things that I hadn’t even realized that I was missing out on.

Patricia Buckley Barrow Pituitary Center Patient
Sonja Aros giving a testimonial about her pituitary surgery

When I went to Barrow and talked to Dr. Little, he made me feel at ease. He then explained the procedure to me which made me feel much better. It was going to be a less-invasive approach than I thought.

Sonja Aros Barrow Pituitary Center Patient
Portrait of Pastor David Clark

Dr. Barranco’s skill, I think, speaks for itself. But the unsung heroes here are the four nurses I had in intensive care. They did more than just follow the doctor’s instructions; they also anticipated what I needed at times when I didn’t even know I needed it.

David Clark Barrow Pituitary Center Patient

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

Videos

Get to Know Our Specialists

Dr. Little Explains Pituitary Tumors & Surgery

Dr. Little Explains Pituitary Tumors & Surgery

Dr. Little explains the minimally invasive techniques he uses to remove pituitary…
Get to Know Dr. Yuen

Get to Know Dr. Yuen

Get to know Dr. Kevin Yuen, a neuroendocrinologist and the medical director…
Get to Know Dr. Little

Get to Know Dr. Little

Get to know Dr. Andrew Little, co-director of the Pituitary Center at…

Patient Testimonials

Michelle: Transsphenoidal Surgery for Acromegaly

Michelle: Transsphenoidal Surgery for Acromegaly

For Michelle Seebinger, receiving a diagnosis of acromegaly was like getting hit…
'My Headache Came Back with a Vengeance'

'My Headache Came Back with a Vengeance'

Sonja Aros, 44, was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor after all of…
Gideon: Keeping the Music Alive

Gideon: Keeping the Music Alive

As a concert violinist, Gideon Lapid was alarmed when acromegaly caused his…
Pituitary Surgery Keeps Race Car Driver in Fast Lane

Pituitary Surgery Keeps Race Car Driver in Fast Lane

For PJ Jones, it started with an excruciating headache and frightening vision…
Mark Johnson: How a Fall in North Dakota Landed Him in Phoenix

Mark Johnson: How a Fall in North Dakota Landed Him in Phoenix

When Mark Johnson fell in snowy parking lot and was knocked unconscious,…
Ron Ball: Surgery and CyberKnife for a Pituitary Adenoma

Ron Ball: Surgery and CyberKnife for a Pituitary Adenoma

Ron Ball traveled to Barrow Neurological Institute from Kansas to receive treatment…

Pituitary Expert Q&A

How common is a CSF leak after pituitary surgery?

How common is a CSF leak after pituitary surgery?

Dr. Andrew Little comments on the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks…
How common is adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery?

How common is adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery?

Drs. Keven Yuen and Andrew Little explain adrenal insufficiency and how common…
How common is diabetes insipidus?

How common is diabetes insipidus?

Diabetes insipidus can occur after pituitary surgery. Dr. Kevin Yuen explains the…
Where is the pituitary gland located? What does it do?

Where is the pituitary gland located? What does it do?

Neurosurgeon Andrew Little, MD, and neuro-endocrinologist Kevin Yuen, MD, discuss the structure…
Is a pituitary tumor actually located in the brain?

Is a pituitary tumor actually located in the brain?

Neurosurgeon and pituitary tumor specialist Andrew Little, MD, explains why a pituitary…
Is the pituitary gland removed during pituitary surgery?

Is the pituitary gland removed during pituitary surgery?

Neurosurgeon Andrew Little, MD, explains the steps he takes to preserve as…
How common are headaches with pituitary tumors?

How common are headaches with pituitary tumors?

Neuro-endocrinologist Kevin Yuen, MD, and Neurosurgeon Andrew Little, MD, discuss how common…
Is there a way to test for hypothalamic obesity?

Is there a way to test for hypothalamic obesity?

Neuro-endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Yuen talks about some of the methods used to…
How common are pituitary tumors and disorders?

How common are pituitary tumors and disorders?

Neuro-endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Yuen and Neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Little discuss how often…
Is it possible to function without a pituitary gland?

Is it possible to function without a pituitary gland?

Dr. Kevin Yuen, a neuro-endocrinologist, and Dr. Andrew Little, a neurosurgeon specializing…
Is pituitary surgery risky for tumors located near the carotid artery?

Is pituitary surgery risky for tumors located near the carotid artery?

Dr. Andrew Little talks about whether pituitary tumor surgery is more risky…
Can abnormal hormone levels affect the immune system?

Can abnormal hormone levels affect the immune system?

Dr. Yuen talks about side effects on the immune system that can…
How does empty sella syndrome affect the pituitary gland?

How does empty sella syndrome affect the pituitary gland?

Dr. Kevin Yuen explains how empty sella syndrome can affect the function…
Deciding between Surgery, Radiation, and Medical Management

Deciding between Surgery, Radiation, and Medical Management

Neurosurgeon Andrew Little, MD, and Radiation Oncologist Leland Rogers, MD, talk about…
How long does it take to recover from pituitary surgery?

How long does it take to recover from pituitary surgery?

Dr. Little talks about the recovery time needed after transsphenoidal surgery to…
Is fatigue common with pituitary tumors?

Is fatigue common with pituitary tumors?

Many patients can experience extreme fatigue along with a pituitary tumors. Dr….
Can a hypothalamic hamartoma cause pituitary symptoms?

Can a hypothalamic hamartoma cause pituitary symptoms?

Hypothalamic hamartoma tumors can sometimes disrupt pituitary hormones. Dr. Yuen explains what…
The Difference between Adrenal Crisis and Adrenal Fatigue

The Difference between Adrenal Crisis and Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal crisis can be a life-threatening health condition. Neuro-endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Yuen…
When is stress-dosing of hydrocortisone necessary?

When is stress-dosing of hydrocortisone necessary?

Adrenal crisis can be a life-threatening health condition. Neuro-endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Yuen…
Is hormone deficiency common after pituitary surgery?

Is hormone deficiency common after pituitary surgery?

Neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Little and Neuro-endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Yuen talk about answer…

Patient Education and Information Videos

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Explained

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Explained

Andrew Little, MD, co-director of the Barrow Pituitary Center, explains how endoscopic…
Cushing's Syndrome and COVID-19

Cushing's Syndrome and COVID-19

Kevin Yuen, MD, co-director of the Barrow Pituitary Center, presents on Cushing’s…
How to Perform Nasal Irrigation After Surgery

How to Perform Nasal Irrigation After Surgery

Griffin Santarelli, MD, demonstrates for patients how to perform nasal irrigation after…
Surgery for Cushing's Disease

Surgery for Cushing's Disease

Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. Andrew S. Little, discusses the next frontier in…
Current and Emerging Drug Therapies for Cushing Syndome

Current and Emerging Drug Therapies for Cushing Syndome

Professor of Neurology, Dr. Kevin Yuen, discusses the next frontier in medication…

Surgical Videos

Removal of Pituitary Adenoma: Q&A

Removal of Pituitary Adenoma: Q&A

Follow along as Dr. Little uses a minimally invasive transsphenoidal approach to…
Removal of Pituitary Adenoma Leaving Tumor Pseudocapsule Intact

Removal of Pituitary Adenoma Leaving Tumor Pseudocapsule Intact

Barrow Neurosurgeon Dr. Andrew Little demonstrates a surgical procedure for removing a…

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most

Here at Barrow Neurological Institute, we are preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities,…