Brain Tumor
As Orange County's leading brain tumor program, Hoag offers a unique
multi-modality diagnostic and treatment program for patients suffering
from benign and malignant brain tumors.
Hoag's multidisciplinary team of brain tumor specialists are committed
to providing the latest and most effective diagnostic imaging studies,
surgical techniques, clinical research and management strategies for each patient.
Experience and expertise is what sets Hoag's brain tumor program apart.
Treating more than 300 brain tumors each year, Hoag neurosurgeons offer
a significant level of experience. And while many hospitals offer either
craniotomy or stereo-tactic radiosurgery, Hoag clinicians specialize in
both surgical brain tumor management and Gamma Knife, and are therefore
uniquely equipped to approach each case with an unbiased opinion regarding
treatment modality.
Hoag also became home to what will be the county’s leading dedicated
Pituitary Tumor Program, offering the most advanced care for one of the most sub-specialized
areas of neurosurgery.
Gamma Knife
Imagine undergoing brain surgery as an outpatient with reduced pain, a
brief recovery period and no incision. The Gamma Knife Center at Hoag
Hospital is the only Orange County facility providing this valuable treatment
option for patients with brain disease.
Hoag
Gamma Knife Center has drawn patients from throughout the country and even across the world,
treating benign and malignant brain tumors, vascular malformations, trigeminal
neuralgia and Parkinson’s disease. And since the Center’s
opening in 1997, Hoag has built one of the strongest and most accomplished
Gamma Knife programs in the United States.
Unsurpassed expertise is what sets the Center apart—and this experience
is directly reflected in its impressive outcomes. Currently, the multidisciplinary
team of specialists perform more than 200 radiosurgeries at Hoag Gamma
Knife Center annually, offering patients a noninvasive and effective therapy
for treating brain disease.
Neurosurgery
When surgical intervention is necessary, Hoag neurosurgeons employ image-guidance,
which provides enhanced navigation using computer-generated 3D images
of brain anatomy. This technology allows for smaller incisions and less
tissue dissection through enhanced preoperative planning.
Hoag neurosurgeons also specialize in awake craniotomy. During this procedure,
functional mapping is performed using electrodes to stimulate the brain
tissue around the tumor in order to identify critical areas to be avoided
during surgery. This allows the surgeon to reduce operative risk, while
maximizing the volume of tumor that can be removed.
During surgery, intraoperative navigational equipment further assists
in identifying the parts of the brain critical for motor, sensory, speech,
visual and memory functions. These two technologies combined mean neurosurgeons
can remove more tumor with less impact to the patient.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Whenever possible, Hoag neurosurgeons employ minimally invasive brain surgery
(MIBS) techniques, including image-guided tumor resection, neuroendoscopy
and stereotactic interventions. Our specialists have access to some of
the most advanced technology available to assist in MIBS, including biomedical
electronics, sophisticated neuronavigation systems, computers, videos,
neuroendoscopic equipment and microsurgical tools. MIBS has helped reduce
deaths and complications previously associated with complex neurosurgery,
while increasing the accuracy of tumor removal and allowing for faster
recovery with less trauma and emotional stress. Minimally invasive neurosurgery
has helped reduce complications and increase the accuracy of tumor resection,
allowing for faster recovery, with less trauma and emotional stress.
Endoscopic Neurosurgery
For the removal of
pituitary tumors, Hoag neurosurgeons specialize in minimally invasive endoscopic neurosurgery,
as opposed to the traditional, invasive approach. In this complex procedure,
an endoscope is placed through the nose, instead of making an incision
through the gum. The scope is carefully maneuvered to the back of the
sinus cavity where there is a natural opening that provides access to
the pituitary gland. This technique provides superior visualization of
the operative site, while offering patients a much more comfortable procedure
with significantly less risk for complications.
Appointments and Referrals
For more information on Hoag Brain Tumor Program contact
the Gamma Knife Center.