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Using the Neuroendoport, a small piece of bone needs to be removed from the skull in order to open the lining of the brain to access your tumor. However, this piece of bone is smaller than the usual piece that would be required for your tumor if using a traditional approach. More importantly, the opening in the lining of the brain is smaller than for standard brain surgery. The most significant benefit of this approach is that the surgeon is able to minimize trauma to surrounding brain tissue while the tumor is being removed.
Yes, in certain cases, the Neuroendoport approach is used to remove the deep part of a brain tumor, and then a standard approach (using either an operating microscope or loupes for visualization) is used to complete the tumor removal. We have found that this approach allows the brain to be fully relaxed prior to exposure of the rest of the brain, which minimizes injury to the cortex (the outermost layer of brain tissue).
Yes, a small incision is required in the scalp. The average size of the incision for this approach is one and a half inches, but varies depending on the location of the tumor.
Meet William
Headaches, memory loss and fainting spells were signs of a life-threatening cyst in William Byrd's brain. He found relief—and a chance to get his life back—at UPMC.
