Similarly, extensive research in the field of frameless stereotactic guidance and the treatment of movement disorders is ongoing. As of June 2000, over 3400 patients have been treated with stereotactic radiosurgery at this center. Led by Dr. Hae Dong Jho, the center has refined numerous techniques that reflect the overall goal of returning patients to functional status sooner than conventional surgery. This center epitomizes the transition of new surgical techniques conceived and developed within the laboratory and applied to the operating room. The talents of neurosurgeons and industry have been tapped to develop new, less invasive approaches to the brain, skull base, and spinal cord in an effort to shorten patient stays and minimize postoperative discomfort.
Current efforts focus on the application of endoscopic techniques to pituitary and spinal surgery.
The Center for Cranial Base Surgery is the first facility of its kind in North America to combine the expertise of neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists to facilitate interdisciplinary treatment of complex tumors and vascular lesions at the base of the brain, skull, and facial regions. This degree of collaboration between multiple specialties allows the center to provide each patient with individualized treatment that is ideal for their specific situation. Recent advances in endoscopic minimally invasive access and microsurgical technique have resulted in improved functional outcome and patient satisfaction. These approaches combined with established conventional techniques pioneered at this center and refined over a decade have allowed for the safe treatment of problems often previously considered untreatable. The Neurological Spine Services Division , led by Dr. William Welch, in association with Dr. John Moossy, Joseph King and Peter Gerszten, employs the talents of many specialists including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine practitioners, anesthesiologists, and psychiatrists.