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For some neurosurgeons, surgical technique
hasn't changed for the past 30 years. Open surgical craniotomies
are still being performed when simpler, safer methods can be used.
Of course, not all brain pathology may be managed without opening
the skull, but it is advantageous to know of a neurosurgeon practiced
in both the open and "closed
skull" techniques.
This phenomenon of "minimizing" the surgical procedure
or making it "less invasive" is not new or unique to brain
surgery. Arthroscopic surgery in the field of orthopedics can repair
a torn meniscus through the use of scopes and television screens,
a gall bladder can now be removed through three tiny incisions in
the abdomen, etc. Neurosurgery is a leader in the field of minimally
invasive surgery because of techniques involving stereotactic localization,
stereotactic surgery and radiosurgery (all explained in other sections
of this website).
Even when a craniotomy (or opening of the
skull) IS necessary, it should be performed with stereotactic guidance.
The stereotactic navigational computer helps the surgeon operate
in the brain with "radar-like" accuracy.
The surgeon is able to register points
from the patient's head into the computer so that the computer can
guide him or her to a tumor through an MRI map of the brain.
Using
stereotactic technique, the navigational computer, and good general
neurosurgical principles, tumors and vascular malformations may
now be removed much more safely, and more completely. Smaller cranial
openings to achieve the same goals may be made, and the patient
usually has a shorter hospital stay.
With Gamma Knife
radiosurgery, Dr. Duma is able to treat primary brain tumors, metastases,
acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs),
trigeminal neuralgia and the tremor of Parkinson's Disease, without
opening the skull. Click the button at the left for information
on treatments using the Gamma Knife.
Of course the epitome of minimally invasive surgery,
which is not experimental, and which has been used by Dr. Duma since
1990, is Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. In fact, Dr. Duma
is a course instructor at national meetings for this technique, and
a pioneer in its technology here in America.
In addition, new techniques involving immunotherapy (gene therapy,
etc.) toward a cure for malignant tumors of the brain are currently
being used by Dr. Duma in certain patients. Click the Immunotherapy
button on the navbar at the left for a tour through the world of
immunotherapy.
Modern techniques are now available to all patients for the management
of intracranial disease. Welcome to a tour through the field of minimally
invasive neurosurgery.
Brain Tumor Surgery | Cranial Surgery | Overview |
Procedures | Results
For consultation appointments with Dr. Duma or
for more information regarding his brain tumor, GammaKnife radiosurgery,
and Parkinson's Disease programs at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital
in Newport Beach, California (Orange County), please contact:
949-642-6787
Or E-mail Dr. Duma directly: drduma@cduma.com
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