Cranial Base

The advent of a multidisciplinary team approach and innovative surgical techniques to deep-seated intra- and extracranial skull base lesions has provided many patients a longer and more fulfilling quality of life. The Loyola Center for Cranial Base Surgery combines the highly specialized techniques of interventional neuroradiology, otolaryngology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and neuroanesthesiology. The principal goal of the center is to permit access to deep-seated, difficult-to-reach lesions by anatomic displacement or extensive removal of the base of the skull. The Center is highly successful locally, and national leadership in cranial base surgery has been recognized in the election of John Leonetti, MD as President and T.C. Origitano, MD, PhD as treasurer of the North American Skull Base Society. In total, the neurosurgical cranial base team of Drs. Anderson, Leonetti, Petruzzelli and Origitano has cooperated in over 1000 cranial base surgeries. The Center annually performs approximately 100 skull base operations. The skull base procedures include 50 acoustic neuroma resections performed in close collaboration with the members of the Division of Neurotology in the Department of Otolaryngology. Other skull base procedures performed include craniofacial resection, cavernous sinus tumors, aneurysms, tumors located in the petroclival and the foramen magnum regions, giant pituitary microadenomas, and other tumors around the suprasellar/parasellar areas. The type of tumor that the patient has will dictate which specialist he/she should see. In addition, if follow-up oncology or hematology (radiation or chemotherapy) is needed, two additional specialists are available to join the multidisciplinary team, and follow-up visits can be scheduled so that the patient will see all of the specialists in one day. To schedule a visit with one of our cranial-based tumor specialists, call (888) LUHS-888.

Endovascular Neurosurgery

The Division of Cerebrovascular Surgery is a component of a larger cerebrovascular program which provides a seamless environment for interaction among the section, the Center for Cranial Base Surgery, the Neurology Stroke Program, interventional and diagnostic neuroradiology, neuroanesthesia, and neurosurgical intensive care. The management of Cerebrovascular disease is rapidly evolving, with increasingly successful endovascular techniques providing an important option for our patients. Surgical treatment of aneurysms and arteriovascular malformations will always have a place in the treatment of these patients as well. We have developed a unique joint venture between the Departments of Radiology and Neurological Surgery in order to provide synergistic application of these two approaches. The Division of Endovascular Neurosurgery under the direction of Harish Shownkeen, MD provides endovascular treatment of aneurysms, tumors, carotid stenosis, stroke and intra-operative angiography. This has resulted in a rich environment for our training program allowing a comprehensive exposure to the treatment strategies available for these challenging clinical problems. With the latest technology, we can provide less invasive treatment techniques for aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The successful treatment of these vascular pathologies usually entails several angiographic interventions, which will be prescribed by your neurosurgeon. The placement of titanium coils or glue into the vascular area causing the problem can have immediate results, whether the symptoms are seizures, headaches or other neurological deficits. Yet, others may experience a gradual relief of symptoms with each subsequent treatment. To schedule an appointment for a patient with a known or suspected aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, please call (888) LUHS-888. Let the scheduler know why you are coming to see the neurosurgeon so that we can match you with the appropriate specialist to fulfill your needs.

Spinal Disorders/Deformity/Scoliosis

The Division of Neurosurgical Spinal Disorders provides exposure to the entire spectrum of spinal disorders, including management of all aspects of developmental, traumatic, neoplastic, and degenerative disease. Through the work of Dr. Russ Nockels, our specialist in complex-spine disorders (patients with scoliosis, spinal cord injury or for those who have undergone multiple spine procedures), the care and treatment options for these patients has been greatly enhanced. The Department performs over 800 spinal operations annually. The Division works closely with all members of the neuroscience community to provide such alternatives as vertebroplasty and rigorous non-operative treatments. A new Spinal Deformity & Scoliosis clinic provides our team the latest information, techniques and technology in the most complex forms of spinal diagnosis, management and surgery. Several clinical research projects are in place to evaluate emerging spinal technologies including novel cervical and scoliosis implants. Basic research in the Spinal Cord Injury Repair Laboratory involves exploration of novel treatments of neuro-transplantation in experimental spinal cord injury, stem cell transplants, and molecular events in the adult injured spinal cord. Clinical research in outcomes of spinal surgery, implant evaluation, and the development of neurological measures of improvement following treatment of cervical myelopathy are being coordinated with the Center for Clinical Effectiveness, Neurology and Physical Medicine. To schedule an appointment for evaluation of a spine disorder, call (888) LUHS-888 and let the scheduler know whether your visit is for neck or low back pain, a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis, and if you have had multiple back surgeries including instrumentation.

Neuro-oncology

An interdisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation therapists, oncologists and neuroradiologists manage tumor patients. By including these specialists in the patient's care, we can offer more options, including new technologies in stereotaxy and image-guidance treatments. Innovative approaches to the medical management of brain tumor patients include clinical trials and participation in national cooperative studies. Dr. Lode Swinnen, Section of Hematology/Oncology holds a joint appointment with the Department of Neurological Surgery. He actively coordinates the neuro-oncology program, providing patients with a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Central nervous system neoplasms comprise a significant part of the department's operative caseload, partly due to the strong presence of Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. In addition, a joint effort between the Department of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery has resulted in the implementation of a new computer assisted radiation delivery system. Dr. Edward Melian (Radiation Oncology), in cooperation with Dr. Douglas Anderson, has implemented stereotactic radiotherapy for computer driven, 3-dimensional treatment planning. The Neuro-oncologist has special interest in the management of oligodendroglioma, meningioma and primary CNS lymphoma. Dr. Robert Wurster oversees basic research defining the role of ion channels in brain tumors, particularly meningiomas. Due to the diversity and inclusion of our unique specialists into one neuro-oncology treatment team, our patients receive more options and thorough care for treating their illness. To set up an appointment with one of our neuro-oncology specialists, please call (888) LUHS-888.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

The comprehensive, multidisciplinary program in pediatric neurosurgery focuses on neurosurgical care of children with congenital malformations, tumors, trauma, hydrocephalus and epilepsy. A new spasticity program was constituted in coordination with Marc Silver, MD, Pediatric Neurology, which will broaden the spectrum of the pediatric neuroscience program. The Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital provides a unique and attractive environment to children and their families. This includes the Ronald McDonald house located next to Loyola Medical Center, where families can stay for a minimal charge with the convenience of a shuttle-bus for transportation to and from the hospital. For more information on scheduling an appointment for your child, please call (888) LUHS-888.

Neurotrauma / Critical Care

Neurological surgery plays a major role in the care and treatment of the traumatically injured at Loyola and Cook County Hospitals. Dr. Peter Letarte directs our department's efforts to coordinate neurotrauma and critical care as a formal member of the active trauma service. While 90% of the surgical cases at Loyola are elective, this collaboration with the Trauma Institute, and availability of the "flying ER" Loyola helicopter, provides a critical learning experience to the resident at all levels, and promotes efficient transfer of acute patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke and brain tumors.

Functional/Epilepsy

Under the direction of Douglas Anderson, MD, a movement disorder operative program has been initiated, offering both permanent stereotactic lesioning and deep brain stimulator therapy, vagal nerve stimulation for intractable epilepsy and invasive grid monitoring in anticipation of a new surgical epilepsy service. Patients with Parkinson's disease have had tremendous results in the reduction of tremors due to the deep brain stimulator procedure. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson, please call (888) LUHS-888.

Peripheral Nerve Pathologies

Dr. John Shea is one of the leading experts in peripheral nerve anatomy, pathology, tumors and operative management. If you are having upper extremity symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in your hands and/or fingers, the problem may be due to nerve roots in your neck or in nerves which travel through other joints. If the problem is due to a nerve being damaged due to nerve entrapment, usually located in the joints of your elbow or wrist (such as carpal tunnel), Dr. Shea specializes in surgical procedures to relieve these symptoms. Other forms of peripheral nerve lesions can cause immense pain in the extremities. Dr. Shea is a leading expert on the surgical removal and treatment of such lesions. To make an appointment with Dr. Shea, please call (888) LUHS-888.

Computer-assisted Surgical Therapeutics

The Department has a long-term involvement in surgical navigation system applications and development. Currently, the Department utilizes intra-operative computer-assisted navigation with sonographic and fluorographic interface on the majority of its cranial surgical procedures.