Surgical Treatment - Neurology & Neurosurgery Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print Neurology & Neurosurgery Back to Neurology & Neurosurgery Leadership Clinical Programs Conditions We Treat Diagnostic Services Locations Getting Started During Treatment Non-Surgical Treatment Surgical Treatment Recovery & Beyond Patient Stories Clinical Trials Medical Professionals & Postgraduates Community Conferences Quality Measures Send Us a Message Surgical Treatment If your doctor has recommended surgery to treat a brain or spine condition, you'll want a neurosurgeon who's experienced in a wide range of techniques. This includes the latest minimally invasive options, which ensure faster recovery times and the best possible outcomes. Here's what you need to know before scheduling a procedure. Types of Neurosurgery Minimally Invasive Surgery You may be surprised to find that you don't need highly invasive surgery to treat a neurological disorder, or a condition considered "inoperable" with traditional surgeries. In many cases, patients with brain tumors, spinal disorders or blood clots in the brain can be treated with procedures that use newer, high-tech equipment, resulting in faster recovery times and less scarring. These include: MRI-guided surgeries: MRI imaging allows surgeons to reach and treat the problem area more precisely, reducing damage to healthy brain tissue. Neuroendoscopy: Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera on the end, surgeons can access the brain via the mouth, nose or a small entry into the skull, allowing them to remove a tumor or perform another procedure. Conventional Surgery If minimally invasive procedures aren't an option, the surgeon may recommend a more traditional route. Conventional brain surgery is often the best method to remove a tumor or unhealthy tissue, treat an aneurysm, drain fluid or treat an infection, or free a trapped nerve. Your doctor has recommended surgery for a brain tumor, learn what to expect from Cedars-Sinai as you prepare for treatment. See the Brain Tumor Surgery Guideline Preparing for Surgery Your Care Team Depending on the type of surgery you require, you will be cared for by a comprehensive and dedicated team which may include the combination of the following: Neurologists Neurosurgeons Primary care physicians Registered nurses (RNs), to help with overall care during your stay Physical and occupational therapists, to help strengthen your muscles, regain balance, and improve physical and everyday functioning Speech therapists, to help regain your cognitive, communication and swallowing skills, if needed Psychologists, to help you cope with the emotional and physical changes you may experience Social workers, to help you and your family adapt to changes in your home and social life, career and financial circumstances Case managers, who are nurses assigned to oversee your transition from intensive care through your recovery and discharge What to Ask Every procedure is different. To be fully prepared, ask your doctor what will happen before, during and after your surgery. Questions may include: Should I stop taking medications or nutritional supplements days or weeks ahead of surgery? How long will my procedure take? What type of surgery will I have? Will it be a minimally invasive procedure? What are the possible complications, even if they're uncommon? How long will I stay in the hospital? What will I need to manage pain and care for the wound after surgery? Will I need to go to a rehab facility after leaving the hospital? How much ongoing care will I need at home? And how long would I need that type of care? What will my life be like after surgery? Can you share other patient experiences? What to Bring Do bring A list of your medications, with dosages and frequency Things you'll need to be comfortable during your hospital stay, including personal-use items such as glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and a robe and slippers Your emergency contact information A copy of your advance health directive (the legal paperwork about how you want your care handled) Don t bring Valuable items such as jewelry, credit cards, wallets and watches (If you do bring valuables, you'll be asked to secure them in a vault, and you can reclaim them when you leave) Your medications—any medicine you need will be supplied for you Still Have More Questions Call us or send a message to schedule recommended tests and treatments. Department of Neurosurgery 310-423-7900 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Department of Neurology 310-423-6472 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) Clinical Trials Learn how the department of Neurology and Neurosurgery are advancing knowledge in their fields through clinical trials, and find out how research can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Recovery & Beyond Whether you need pain management, rehabilitation therapy or emotional support, our experienced team works together to guide your journey back to better health. Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility