Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery (neurological surgery) is the branch of medicine that provides management of disorders that affect the brain, spinal column and nervous system. A patient may see a neurosurgeon for a number of disorders, from a pinched nerve to surgical removal of a brain tumor. A neurosurgeon may also specialize in a certain part of the body, such as the spine, or in an age group, such as pediatric neurosurgery.

Baptist Health neurosurgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Procedures

Significant advances have been made in the field of neurosurgery, offering patients better outcomes and quality of life. Leaders in their specialty, our highly skilled neurosurgeons perform the following procedures at Baptist Medical Center Downtown using the latest techniques and technology.

Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a surgical opening of the skull to gain access to the brain. This allows a surgeon to reduce pressure beneath the skull and remove tumors from the brain. Craniotomies can often be performed using computer-assisted guidance, resulting in smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

Decompressive laminectomy
A decompressive laminectomy is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, often caused by herniated discs, injury or tumors. The procedure removes bone or tissue that causes narrowing of the spinal canal. This procedure can relieve pain and allow patients to return to routine activities sooner.

Laminotomy
Also performed to relieve pressure from the spinal canal, a laminotomy removes a small portion of the lamina and attached ligaments. The thin part of the bones that make up the spine, the lamina protects the spinal cord. A laminotomy can help patients return to normal movement and activity and lessen pain.

Spinal fusion
When a patient suffers from a spinal condition such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis or a spinal fracture, surgery may be an option. A traditional and highly successful approach to severe pain caused by these conditions, spinal fusion involves grafting vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. The body heals the fused bones over several months. Instruments such as screws and rods, some of which have been developed by Baptist Health neurosurgeons, can be used to provide additional spinal support.

Innovation in Neurosurgical Services

As leaders in neurosurgical services, our team of neurosurgeons, along with other physician subspecialists, specially trained nurses, technicians, and support staff, provide patients with the highest level of skills. As part of Baptist Health's continuous commitment to excellence in clinical quality, neurosurgeons have access to the most current equipment and technology for the brain, spine and nervous system.

In particular, Baptist Health neurosurgeons are innovators in the field of minimally invasive neurosurgeries. Traditionally, surgery on the spine was performed through an open incision in the back, sometimes leading to longer recovery periods. Minimally invasive procedures typically require small incisions measuring from one-half inch to an inch in length. By avoiding the cutting of muscle, the techniques shorten hospital stays, blood loss and post-operative pain while improving short-term recovery and return to normal activities.