PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The use of minimally invasive surgery continues to be an important trend in medicine. In neurosurgery, many procedures that were once performed as open operations can now be accomplished through small tubes called endoscopes. The surgeon inserts a fiber optic camera with a light source through one tube and surgical instrumentation through other tubes. Depending on the location of the procedure, entry can be made through the nose (for diseases of the skull base) or incisions in the top of the head (for pediatric craniofacial conditions) or in the back (for spinal disease).
Because these techniques are minimally invasive, they typically result in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, less scarring and less need for pain medication.
CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
Endoscopic/Endonasal Skull Base Surgery. Washington University neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists team with other specialists to take an endoscopic/endonasal approach to diseases of the skull base including pituitary tumors, chordomas, chondrosarcomas, meningiomas, other brain tumors, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and certain types of cysts.
Traditionally, the surgical approach for many of these diseases was through an opening of the scalp and removal of a piece of the skull or via facial incisions. In endoscopic/endonasal procedures, the surgical team advances an endoscope through the nasal cavity to view the anatomy and perform the surgery. In so doing, the surgeon does not need to make incisions in the scalp and/or face.
Neuroendoscopy. Besides skull-base surgery, other procedures performed through neuroendoscopy include treatment of hydrocephalus, removal of colloid cysts and biopsies.
Craniosynostosis. Neuroendoscopic repair is offered by pediatric neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons at St. Louis Children's Hospital for patients diagnosed with some types of craniosynostosis, a congenital condition in which the brain sutures close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth.
The surgical team uses endoscopes placed through two small incisions measuring about 1.5 inches each at the top of the head. A segment of bone is removed near the fused bone and in a few other places, which releases the fusion. In the first week after surgery, a custom molding helmet is made, which the patient wears to mold the shape of the head.
FACULTY
Neurosurgery Providers
Gregory J. Zipfel, MD
Michael R. Chicoine, MD
Otolaryngology Providers
Ravindra Uppaluri, MD, PhD
Anne E. Getz, MD
Bruce H. Haughey, MBChB, MS, FACS, FRACS
Neuroendoscopy
Adult Neurosurgery Provider
Keith M. Rich, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgery Provider
Matthew D. Smyth, MD, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric Plastic Surgery Providers
Albert S. Woo, MD
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Patients and Referring Physicians
Contact a neurosurgeon at (314) 362-3577.
Contact a pediatric neurosurgeon at (314) 454-4454.
PATIENT OFFICE LOCATIONS
Adult patients are seen at:
Neuroscience Center
Center for Advanced Medicine
4921 Parkview Place, Suite 6C
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Pediatric patients are seen at:
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
1 Children’s Place, Suite 4E
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Helpful Maps