Neuro-oncological Neurosurgery

Neuro-oncological neurosurgery involves the treatment of tumors  neurosurgery of the brain and upper spine. This is a sub-specialized area of neurosurgery due to the importance of protecting critical neurovascular structures as well as integrating surgery with oncology and radiation  treatments required to achieving good patient outcomes. Knowledge of the brain's white matter network and connections are important to maintaining cognition, language, speech, vision and motor activity. 

During surgery we use intraoperative neuronavigation, awake language mapping, asleep motor mapping, neuromonitoring, intraoperative ultrasound, ultrasonic aspirators, and intraoperative neuropathology consultations. The goals of surgery are for maximal safe resection and obtaining a diagnosis. 

• Gliomas and glioblastomas

• Meningioma

• Metastatic cancer

• Lymphoma

• Intraventricular tumors

• Others

Other treated neurosurgical cranial diseases:

• Hydrocephalus

• Brain trauma

• Brain hemorrhage

• Infection

• Brain biopsy for neurological conditions

• Facial pain

A multidisciplinary team for neuro-oncology includes experienced neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neurocritical care attendings, oncologists, and radiation oncologists. In addition, an experiences operative team and nursing staff are critical. A dedication to research with study coordinators is important to offer the latest clinical trials for patients. Clinical trials are an important part of care and patients have access through both UM-Sparrow Specialty Hospital and the Herbert-Herman Cancer Institute as well as through the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Rogel Cancer Center.