Image-Guided Surgery for the Treatment of Brain Tumors
| Date Posted: 9/19/2011 | Author: Chris Whitesell
Surgery is often the most effective method for treating both benign and malignant brain tumors. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital is proud to offer the StealthStation® treatment guidance system to those patients requiring surgery. This system enables neurosurgeons to perform image-guided surgery to remove brain tumors without compromising nearby tissues, nerves, muscles, or blood vessels.
The purpose of brain surgery is to confirm that the abnormality seen on a brain scan is a tumor and to remove it. In most circumstances, the neurosurgeon will remove the tumor if at all possible. Often, especially in the case of benign tumors, symptoms can be completely eliminated with removal of the tumor.
StealthStation® image-guided surgery allows the surgeon to isolate the exact location of the brain tumor through complex mapping technology. The surgeon builds a 3-D model of an individual’s anatomy. This technology locates and maps the tumor’s size and exact location within the brain. These images can be manipulated and merged before and during the procedure to allow surgeons to make adjustments so that they are treating the targeted area.
The technology used for image-guided surgery is similar to a global positioning satellite system (GPS). Because the images are so precise, a surgeon is able to pinpoint exactly where the tumor ends and healthy tissue begins. This allows him or her to make a detailed plan for surgery, including the best spot for an incision and optimal path for reaching the targeted area. As a result, the surgeon is able to avoid injuring critical areas and structures in the brain.
Patients benefit from image-guided surgery in a number of ways. It helps to shorten operating times, reduce the size of the incision, and make the procedure less invasive. This type of surgery improves patient outcomes and allows for faster recovery times.
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital provides brain tumor treatment and support services for patients in Pinehurst, Sanford, Raeford, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Troy and Rockingham regions of NC. Our highly trained staff and leading edge technology allows us to provide quality care to adults with nearly all types of cancer.
