Recover Quicker With Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery in Arizona
Doctors at Dignity Health use minimally invasive neurosurgery to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, nerves, and spine. Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions (or none at all), typically resulting in less risk of infection and quicker recovery times.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about minimally invasive neurosurgery in Arizona, meet with a neurosurgeon at Dignity Health. To request an appointment, Find a Doctor today.
Types of Neurosurgery We Offer at Dignity Health
The most common types of minimally invasive neurosurgery procedures are:
- Endoscopic neurosurgery. A flexible scope is inserted through the nose or a small incision in the skin.
- Microcraniotomy. A small incision is made in the scalp and skull to access the brain cavity.
- Minimally invasive cervical, thoracic, or lumbar surgery. Small incisions are made in the back or neck to repair orthopedic conditions affecting the spinal column.
These services and more are offered through the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s, Chandler Regional Medical Center, and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.
Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Neurologists may recommend neurosurgery to treat conditions of the brain and spine. These include:
- Brain aneurysms
- Cushing’s disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Spinal cord tumors
- Brain cysts and tumors, including glioblastomas
- Orthopedic spine conditions, including herniated or ruptured spinal discs, bone spurs, spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis
- Decompression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Children and adults may be eligible for less invasive procedures. Talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.
What to Expect With Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
Based on your condition and the type of procedure you need, minimally invasive neurosurgery may be performed in a Dignity Health hospital or outpatient surgery center. Before surgery, you will be given general anesthesia or sedation, so you will not feel any pain. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may need to spend one or more nights in the hospital, or you may be able to go home.
Your doctor will give you special instructions on how to prepare and what to expect.
Recovery After Neurosurgery
Compared to more traditional neurosurgery, minimally invasive surgery typically results in less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery time for most people. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain function and mobility. Your recovery time will depend on a variety of factors, such as your age, your overall health before surgery, and whether you need additional treatments.
In collaboration with the Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health offers the latest procedures for minimally invasive neurosurgery in Arizona.