Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery

Colloid cysts are embryonic remnants entrapped within the roof of the third ventricle. They are typically asymptomatic, found incidentally and often remain unchanged in size. However, they can occasionally enlarge resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus and even sudden death. Here an endoscopic colloid cystectomy with fenestration of the septum pellucidum is performed in order to restore patency of the CSF pathways. #NSWC #cystremoval #colloidcyst #neuroendoscopy #neurosurgery #mercy #minimallyinvasive

What happens when you mount a linear accelerator on a production line robot? Precision radiation at 1/3 the time of our prior stereotactic radiosurgery unit. Mercy unveiled our newly installed CyberKnife and we began treating patients this week. This minimally invasive technology allows treatment of even the deepest brain tumors without incisions or a hospital stay. #NSWC #mercy #braintumor #srs #cyberknife #robocouch

Trigeminal neuralgia is commonly caused by neurovascular conflict between the superior cerebellar artery and the trigeminal nerve. Microvascular Decompression(MVD) is the most effective treatment and results in sustained pain relief for ~80-90% of patients at 5 years from surgery. A quarter-sized craniectomy is used to directly decompress the trigeminal root entry zone at the brainstem. #NSWC #trigeminalneuralgia #mvd #cranialnerves #cpa

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a debilitating disease resulting in severe lancinating facial pain. Percutaneous balloon compression rhizotomy is a treatment option which injures the gasserion ganglion and trigeminal nerve, diminishing transmission of pain signals. A needle is inserted from the cheek to the base of the skull. A balloon is placed intracranially into Meckel’s cave through an oval shaped hole (foramen ovale) which transmits the 3rd division of the trigeminal nerve. The balloon is then inflated and takes on a classic pear shape. This short procedure results in ~75% sustained pain relief at 5 years. #NSWC #trigeminalneuralgia #ballooncompressionrhizotomy #pearshaped #foramenovale @ Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Cranioplasty is performed after a craniectomy once the intracranial edema has resolved. Polyether-Ether-Ketone(PEEK) is a plastic polymer that is used to make a synthetic bone flap when the native bone is not suitable for reimplantation. #NSWC #cranioplasty #tbi #PEEK #skull @ Mercy Hospital St. Louis