The challenge was a brain tumor, one that needed to be removed but was lodged in a very difficult place. Two skull-based surgeons on the medical staff, one specializing in neurological and neurovascular surgery and the other in otology and neurotology, began talking about how it could be done. The result was a surgical innovation that was the first of its kind in Illinois and one of the first times the surgery has been attempted in the world. A micro-laser was used to remove the tumor, avoiding the risk of a possible stroke that came with using a scalpel. “Consultation between physicians and combining the knowledge of our subspecialties can result in innovative treatments and better care for our patients,” said Bernard R. Bendok, MD, who performed the surgery along with Andrew J. Fishman, MD. The surgery was a success in many ways, with less operating time, a smaller incision and a shorter recovery. After just three days, Stephen Abbott, a 69-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was back to his daily routine.
Related Links: Department of Neurology | Department of Otolaryngology | Department of Neurological Surgery
Previous Story | Next Story | Home
Because the tumor was attached to a vein, the micro-laser was the best option for a positive outcome as it can be easily manipulated in all directions.
Entering through an incision behind the left ear, the surgeons utilized the precision of the micro-laser to melt the tumor and then carefully shave it off.
Drs. Fishman (left) and Bendok have shared what they learned during this surgery with the medical community so that patients beyond Northwestern Memorial can benefit from this approach.
The micro-laser, which is fiber optic and the size of a pen, is an improvement over earlier surgical lasers that are much larger and difficult to control with precision.
Stephen Abbott, who was diagnosed with the brain tumor during a routine hearing exam, is now back to the things he enjoys most — cooking, managing his finances and playing golf.
