Programmatic Divisions

In addition to a large and extensive experience in general neurosurgical conditions, the efforts of the Department are focused in several major programmatic areas.  The faculty is organized into areas of sub-specialization, which gives the resident excellent exposure to each of these disciplines as well as the more general neurosurgical experience.  The emphasis of the training program is to provide outstanding clinical experience and expertise in all fields appropriate for pursuing a career in academic or clinical neurosurgery.  The volume and intensity of the exposure has enabled many graduates of the program to obtain positions without taking additional fellowship training.

Cerebrovascular Disease
All aspects of cerebrovascular disease are managed at the participating hospitals.  Microsurgical management of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations is an area of major interest.  In addition, interventional neuroradiology with the availability of intra-arterial embolization, angioplasty and stenting have increased our ability to manage the complex disorders that are referred to us at both hospital sites.  Drs. Flamm, Gordon and Langer are responsible for the management of intracranial and extracranial cerebrovascular disorders.

Neurooncology
Active programs in surgery and treatment of brain tumors exist at both MMC and the INN.  These include the management of benign and malignant tumors in both adult and pediatric populations.  In addition to the neurosurgical management, emphasis is placed on the multidisciplinary management of these complex problems.  Close interaction between Neurosurgery, Neurooncology and Radiation Oncology through the Tumor Board provides an opportunity for the resident s to be exposed to current protocols and management strategies.  The Department of Neurosurgery is also a participant in the Cancer Center of AECOM.

Diagnostic facilities include CT, MRI imaging and spectroscopy, PET and SPECT scanning.  Surgical management utilizes the latest surgical techniques including advanced microsurgical methods, frameless stereotactic guidance, intraoperative MRI (at the INN), ultrasound and endoscopic visualization.

Drs. LaSala and Abbott at MMC and Dr. Elowitz at the INN are responsible for supervision of the pediatric and adult tumor programs.

Epilepsy
Patients with complex partial seizure disorders are evaluated for management and consideration for surgical treatment.  Facilities for monitoring patients with implanted electrodes to aid in localization are available at both sites.  PET scanning is used to complement the electrophysiologic localization of the seizure focus.  Dr. LaSala directs the surgical program in epilepsy and collaborates with The Epilepsy Center of the Department of Neurology. 

Spine Surgery
An extensive program in advanced techniques of spine surgery including stabilization techniques is available at both sites.  Drs. Houten, Gordon and Langer have responsibility for these programs.

Skull Base and Reconstructive Surgery
An integrated program in complex skull base surgery has been developed with the Department of Otolaryngology.  Surgical laboratory facilities are available to prepare the residents for involvement in adult and pediatric patients with tumors and congenital abnormalities. Skull base tumors are referred to Dr. David Gordon.

Pediatric Neurosurgery
There is an active program in pediatric neurosurgery with special emphasis on craniofacial reconstruction for congenital abnormalities and brain and spinal cord tumors at MMC.   Montefiore also treats the general range of pediatric neurosurgical cases.