Neurosurgery

If you or your child needs a brain, spine, or nerve procedure, trust the experienced neurosurgeons at Montage Health.

What to expect

Your doctor will:

• Explain how they will perform your procedure
• Discuss potential risks and benefits of surgery
• Answer any questions you have

Your procedure may take place on an:

• Outpatient basis, which means you visit the medical facility for care and go home to recover afterward
• Inpatient basis, where you stay overnight at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula for care and monitoring

Your safety and comfort are our top priority before, during, and after your procedure.

Collaborative approach

Rely on your neurosurgeon to work closely with other specialists, such as an orthopedic surgeon or oncologist (cancer doctor), depending on your needs. Your doctors will determine the best approach for your procedure.

Minimally invasive techniques

Whenever possible, your neurosurgeon will use minimally invasive techniques and the latest technology, such as microsurgical tools and imaging scans. This allows

your doctor to perform your procedure as precisely as possible, using small or no incisions. You’ll have a faster recovery, with less risk of pain and complications.

Procedures we offer

Your doctor may recommend:

• Biopsy – Removes a small sample of tissue for examination in a lab
• Chiari decompression – Removes a small bone in the skull to treat balance problems caused by Chiari malformation
• Craniotomy or craniectomy – Removes part of the skull
• Spinal tap, or lumbar puncture – Removes a sample of spinal fluid to diagnose a condition
• Tumor surgery – Removes all or part of a brain or nervous system tumor

Spinal surgeries

Rely on your surgeon to expertly perform:

• Discectomy – Removes a herniated disc
• Disc replacement – Replaces a worn-out joint with an artificial one
• Foraminotomy, or decompression surgery – Opens part of the spinal canal to ease pain caused by a compressed nerve
• Laminectomy – Removes part or all of a bone called the lamina to lessen pressure on the spinal cord
• Spinal fusion – Fuses two or more vertebrae to prevent back pain or stabilize a joint
• Vertebroplasty – Injects bone cement into a damaged vertebra to relieve pain

Post-operative care

Attend any needed follow-up appointments with your neurosurgeon or neurologist. To help you reach the best outcome, you may take part in rehabilitation services, such as physical or occupational therapy.