Small incisions can make a big difference in caring for your brain, spine and nervous system. Using the latest minimally invasive and endoscopic neurosurgery techniques, we treat you with less incisions, a faster recovery and less pain.
Minimally invasive + endoscopic neurosurgery: A less invasive way to treat brain + spine conditions
At Tufts Medicine, we specialize in minimally invasive, endoscopic and robotic-assisted neurosurgery to treat brain, spine and nerve conditions. Our advanced techniques use small incisions, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. By using robotic-assisted technology and endoscopic tools like cameras and catheters, we’re able to treat conditions such as brain tumors and herniated discs with greater precision.
This approach lowers the risk of infection and helps you recover more quickly than traditional surgery. Our expert team focuses on providing you with the safest and most effective care, tailored to your needs. Whether you're facing a brain tumor, a spinal condition or nerve problems, we choose the right minimally invasive methods to help you heal faster and get back to your life.
Find a doctor near me
Conditions
At Tufts Medicine, we treat a wide range of neurological conditions using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Our goal is to provide expert care while prioritizing your safety and well-being. Conditions we treat include:
- Brain and skull base tumors: Including acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors, which can be removed using endoscopic approaches through the nose or small incisions.
- Chiari malformation (brain tissue pressing into the spinal canal): Addressed through minimally invasive decompression surgery to restore normal cerebrospinal fluid flow.
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain): Managed using neuroendoscopic procedures to create new pathways for fluid drainage, reducing the need for shunts.
- Pituitary tumors: Removed using an endoscopic endonasal approach to access the tumor through the nose, avoiding external incisions.
- Spinal cord compression and herniated discs: Conditions that cause back pain, weakness and numbness, often relieved with minimally invasive decompression or fusion surgery.
- Trigeminal neuralgia (chronic facial pain): Treated with minimally invasive microvascular decompression or radiosurgery for long-term pain relief.
Testing
A precise diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Tufts Medicine, we use the most advanced diagnostic tools to assess your condition accurately and create a treatment plan that ensures your safety and best possible outcome. Our testing options include:
- Blood and urine tests: Identify infections, metabolic disorders or other underlying conditions that may contribute to neurological symptoms.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies: Evaluate nerve function and pinpoint the source of neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness.
- MRI and CT scans: Provide high-resolution images to detect abnormalities in the brain, spine and skull base.
- Neuropsychological testing: Measures cognitive function and detects changes caused by brain tumors, neurological disorders or trauma.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): Analyzes cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose infections, inflammation or hydrocephalus.
Treatments
Your safety and recovery are at the heart of everything we do. Our neurosurgeons are experts in minimally invasive procedures, allowing us to treat neurological conditions with greater precision and less impact on surrounding tissue. Our treatment options include:
- Coiling: We treat 80% of our aneurysm cases using coiling, a technique where we insert a spring-like device through a catheter to clot blood and close the aneurysm. If the aneurysm has a wide opening, we may use stent-assisted coiling to support the coils with a tiny metal mesh tube.
- Endoscopic brain surgery: Removes tumors, cysts and other abnormalities using a tiny camera and specialized instruments, reducing risks and improving precision.
- Endoscopic skull base surgery: Treats tumors and other conditions through small openings in the nose or behind the ear, avoiding large incisions.
- Endoscopic surgery: Uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light, to give surgeons a clear view of the surgical area, allowing for precise, minimally invasive procedures.
- Gamma Knife surgery: A non-invasive procedure that focuses 192 beams of gamma radiation onto a targeted area, treating brain, head and neck conditions without incisions. We are among the few health systems in greater Boston to offer this life-changing treatment.
- Microsurgery: Treats cerebrovascular conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowed or hardened arteries) using microsurgical instruments thinner than a strand of human hair.
- Microvascular decompression: A targeted procedure to relieve pressure on cranial nerves, often used to treat trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.
- Minimally invasive spine surgery: Uses small incisions and specialized tools to repair herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other spine issues with less muscle disruption and faster recovery.
- Minimally invasive vascular neurosurgery: Manages aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and carotid artery disease using catheter-based techniques and advanced imaging.
- Neuroendoscopic procedures: Treats hydrocephalus, brain cysts and ventricular tumors with a small scope inserted through a natural opening or tiny incision, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue.
Endoscopic Neurosurgery at Tufts Medical Center gave Patricia back her mobility and her lifestyle.
FAQs
What are the benefits of minimally invasive neurosurgery?
- Many people go home the same day or within a few days.
- Smaller incisions mean less scarring and a lower risk of infection.
- Less pain due to minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
- Lower risk of complications including reduced blood loss.
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive neurosurgery?
Not everyone is a candidate but we’ll work with you to find the best treatment plan. If you need neurosurgery, our team will evaluate your condition, explain your options and help you make an informed decision.
Is minimally invasive and endoscopic neurosurgery safe?
Yes, minimally invasive and endoscopic neurosurgery is generally considered safe. Because it involves smaller incisions and more precise techniques, the risk of complications is often lower than with traditional surgery. However, as with any procedure, safety depends on factors like the condition being treated and your overall health. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly assess these factors to ensure it's the right choice for you.
What technology do you use?
We use state-of-the-art tools like high-definition cameras, robotic assistance and computer-guided navigation to improve accuracy and reduce the risk of complications.
Why choose Tufts Medicine for neurosurgery?
Our neurosurgeons are experts in minimally invasive techniques with extensive experience treating complex neurological conditions. We combine leading-edge technology with compassionate care to provide the best possible outcomes.
Our locations
From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.
Our doctors + care team
Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.