Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery in Southern California

Minimally invasive neurosurgery uses small (or no) incisions to evaluate or repair neurological problems, including those that affect the brain and spine. It often has less risk of infection and may offer a faster recovery when compared with traditional surgery.

Experienced doctors at Dignity Health Southern California perform minimally invasive neurosurgery, including endoscopic neurosurgery, in Southern California at the following locations:

• Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center
• St. Bernardine Medical Center

Use our online Find a Doctor tool to make an appointment today.

Why We Perform Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

Conditions often treated with minimally invasive neurosurgery include:

• Orthopedic spine conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated or ruptured spinal discs, spinal arthritis, spinal bone spurs, and spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord tumors
• Brain cysts and tumors, including glioblastomas
• Brain aneurysms
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Cushing’s disease
• Hydrocephalus
• Decompression of spinal cord or spinal nerves

Talk with your doctor to see if minimally invasive neurosurgery is right for you.

What to Expect with Neurosurgery at Dignity Health Southern California

You may be given general anesthesia or sedation, depending on the type and location of your procedure. Most people are able to go home the same day after minimally invasive surgery. In some cases, you may spend one or more nights in the hospital while your care team monitors your condition. For any procedure, your doctor will go over the details so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Types of minimally invasive neurosurgery include:

• Minimally invasive cervical, thoracic, or lumbar surgery to repair orthopedic spinal conditions and other spinal conditions
• Microcraniotomy to access the brain cavity through a small incision in the scalp and skull
• Endoscopic neurosurgery uses a flexible scope to access the brain through the nasal cavity or a small skin incision

Recovery after Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

In general, the benefits of minimally invasive neurosurgery are less pain, a faster recovery, and less noticeable scars compared to more traditional neurosurgery. Your recovery depends your overall health, your specific surgery, and whether you need additional care after your procedure. Physical therapy may be a part of your healing process. Talk with your doctor about what to expect, including how to care for your incision, follow-up care you may need, and when it will be safe to return to normal activities.