Join Mr Nick Thomas from King's College Hospital in London for the removal of a tumour from the pituitary gland, which is right in the centre of the skull. From the comfort of Wellcome Collection you will be able to watch the surgery in close detail, ask questions of the team and find out more about the science and medicine behind the operation. The surgery will be streamed live to Wellcome Collection and broadcast on Channel 4, so you will be part of the TV studio audience too.

The pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain, in the centre of the skull, and getting to it for this life-changing treatment is very difficult. The surgeon will insert his tools, including a camera to provide his vision, up the patient's nose. He will carry out the entire operation, including removal of the tumour tissue, through one nostril.

Nick Thomas Mr Thomas is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital, having been appointed at the age of 33. He has developed sub-specialty interests in complex spine surgery, skull base surgery including endoscopic pituitary surgery and acoustic neuroma surgery, and is involved in a large clinic for neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 and von Hippel Lindau disease. He has recently retired from his post as Lead Clinician of Neurosurgery at King's College Hospital.

Important notice

• This event is suitable for ages 14+.

• Seating is unreserved and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Receipt of an e-ticket does not guarantee a seat. You are encouraged to arrive in good time; the temporary exhibition galleries and the café will be open throughout the day until 22.00 and the queue for admissions will open at 21.00.

• Latecomers will not be admitted.

• This event will not finish until 00.00 and due to the filming of the event visitors will be unable to leave before the end.

Please note that parts of this event will be broadcast live on Channel 4 and that the studio audience may appear. In return for access to the event, you irrevocably consent to the filming and live streaming on Channel 4 and the Channel 4 website and you also consent to the Wellcome Trust reproducing and publishing your words in any transcript of or publication relating to this event.