The Neurosurgeons in our practice provide comprehensive care to our community every day. Here is the story of a toddler under our care.
Evaluating an 18-month-old with a probable mass
The diagnosis
He was admitted to the Pediatric ICU and a MRI of the brain was performed that showed a large tumor compressing the brain and the top of the spinal cord causing his symptoms.
Emergency Surgery was needed
The 18-month-od child required urgent surgery to take the pressure off of his brain and to relieve the build up of spinal fluid.
Children with emergency problems are one of the most difficult parts of being a neurosurgeon. This child was fortunate to have arrived at a Regional Pediatric Treatment Center (located right here in Lansing) as his first stop.
Lansing Neurosurgery doctors Abood and Tony Avellino– a Pediatric Neurosurgeon, performed a six-hour surgery for this young boy that involved the use of the latest stereotactic, computer assisted, STEALTH Navigation system to help guide the resection of his tumor. The surgeons carefully removed the entire tumor from deep in the brain with a high power operating microscope and special instruments that use ultrasound to break up and remove the tumor cells. It took a team of over 10 people in the operating room to assist with the surgery.
After hours of anesthesia and delicate surgery, he awoke in the recovery room, moving everything and without any sign of brain injury. A new MRI was done immediately after the surgery that showed the tumor was removed.
Happy ending for the family
He spent about a week in the hospital recovering and now three months later is home and back to the normal life of a 21-month-old toddler
Training and education are key
It takes 14-17 years of college, medical school, residency, and fellowship training to become a sub-specialized Neurosurgeon. At Lansing Neurosurgery, we are lucky to have eight Board Certified Neurosurgeons trained at the top centers around the country. We manage neurosurgery at the busiest Level I Trauma Center in Michigan.
For the past 60 years Lansing Neurosurgery has been on the frontline of care for the Mid-Michigan community.
