A neurosurgeon is a highly skilled medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the spine, brain, and entire nervous system. While they can perform complex brain and spine surgeries, they also offer nonsurgical treatments such as medications, injections, and physical therapy for brain and spine issues.
In this blog, we discuss some surgical techniques and procedures a neurosurgeon offers for brain and spine problems and where you can go to get treatment.
Conventional Open Surgery
Conventional surgery is performed for a variety of conditions and injuries. As the name suggests, open surgery requires the surgeon to open the skull or part of the body where repairs need to be made. This technique is typically performed to treat emergency conditions such as traumatic brain injuries.
During a type of conventional open surgery called craniotomy, neurosurgeons open the skull and use specialized tools to remove a bone flap (section of bone) to keep the pressure off of the brain.
Endoscopic Surgery
This involves the use of an endoscope – a tube-like instrument with a tiny camera at the end that transmits live video to a monitor nearby. This technique of surgery is used to limit trauma to surrounding healthy tissues, thus resulting in less complications, scarring, pain, and recovery time. A neurosurgeon drills a hole in the skull and places the endoscope into the area that transmits images from inside the brain. Then, the neurosurgeon drills an additional hole in the skull to introduce surgical tools to treat brain problems like cerebrospinal fluid leaks, tumors, intracranial bleed, and much more – all while using the live video feed as a guide.
Microsurgery
In this surgical technique, neurosurgeons use either an operating room microscope or high-powered loupe magnification to aid in the surgery. The microsurgery technique is used for:
- Carotid endarterectomy (a procedure to clear plaque from the carotid artery)
- Microdiscectomy (a procedure to remove the herniated disc that is pressing a nerve root)
- Laminectomy (a procedure used to remove part or all of the lamina – the back part of vertebrae)
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
This surgery is increasingly used to treat problems like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease by placing brain electrodes or infusing gene therapies. Neurosurgeons use a targeted beam of radiation to accurately locate the position of a brain tumor. It is also used in combination with radiation therapy to treat tumors.
Endovascular Surgery
With this type of surgical technique, the neurosurgeon sends surgical tools through an opening in the femoral artery of the leg to treat brain disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Imaging techniques are used to survey the route of blood circulation before surgery, while X-rays are used to guide the neurosurgeon during the surgery.
Spinal Neurosurgery
This surgical technique is used to treat spinal cord compression resulting from spondylosis, trauma, and spine arthritis. Neurosurgeons may also perform spinal fusion as an open or keyhole surgery. Also, they may use spinal rongeurs to remove the herniated disc.
Neurosurgeons Near Me in Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Centennial, and Castle Rock
If you or your loved one have a brain or spine problem and seek a lasting solution, look no further than the experts at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. Our neurosurgeons are dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes while employing all types of surgical techniques and procedures. Besides providing surgical treatments, our surgeons also offer alternative treatments best for your condition.
To make an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons, call us at (303) 790-1800 or by filling out our appointment request form.
