Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Why choose us for neurosurgery care?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our team uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques, many of which have been developed by our board-certified surgeons. Your care is in the hands of experts who continually stay at the top of their field.

We offer:

  • Multispecialty care: Our neurosurgeons work in a multispecialty team that includes neurologists, neuroradiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and a dedicated neuroanesthesia team. These experts work together to bring you effective, advanced treatment.

  • Dedicated neurosurgery suites: Our hospitals contain dedicated neurosurgery operating rooms, including ones for trauma surgery. We also offer a 20-bed neuro-intensive care unit that is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the United States. This means that after your surgery, you receive care from specialized physicians, nurses and staff.

  • Advanced technology: Your neurosurgeon uses the latest technology, including intraoperative MRI, Gamma Knife and the Monteris AutoLITT MRI-guided laser probe.

  • Groundbreaking expertise: Our neurosurgeons performed the world's first magnetic surgery, known as the Magnetic Surgery System (MSS). The MSS is a safer way of manipulating surgical tools within the brain. We can use this technique to find and remove brain tumors while keeping nearby structures and tissues unharmed. 
    Minimally invasive surgery: In some cases, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. These techniques are less invasive and more effective, with faster recovery times.

  • Minimally invasive surgery: In some cases, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. These techniques are less invasive and more effective, with faster recovery times.

Neurosurgeons Perform First Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery

Our neurosurgeons were the first in Missouri to use robot-assisted techniques during spine surgery. These techniques increase precision and accuracy.

Read the story
What should I expect during a neurosurgery appointment?

We pride ourselves on comprehensive, expert care for all our patients. We aim to provide coordinated, compassionate treatment that accounts for your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

You are required to get a referral for a neurosurgery appointment. Before your appointment, you will receive a packet of information in the mail. This will include a:

  • Health history form

  • Letter of instructions

  • Map of the hospital

The letter will include helpful phone numbers in case you have questions. Please complete the health history form and bring it to your appointment. In addition, we will need you to bring your:

  • Insurance cards

  • Picture ID

  • Records of any prior imaging

Please also ask your physician to fax any relevant history and patient records prior to your appointment.

Once your appointment has been scheduled, you will be contacted by Patient Registration. By registering prior to your appointment, you will save time and also know whether your insurance will cover the procedure.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will fill out a patient questionnaire, which asks you to summarize your general medical, family and social history. It will become part of your permanent patient record.

What conditions do neurosurgeons treat?

Our neurosurgeons treat a full range of neurological disorders, including:

  • Brain tumors
    Tumors occur when a cluster of irregular cells forms in the brain or travels to the brain.
  • Cerebrovascular disorders
    These conditions affect the blood vessels in your brain.
  • Epilepsy
    Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by seizures, bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in your brain.
  • Nerve injuries
    An injury to one of your nerves can interfere with the signals between your brain and your nerves.
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
    Irregular buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavities (ventricles) increases brain pressure.
  • Parkinson's disease
    This progressive nervous system disorder occurs when nerve cell damage leads to a drop of dopamine. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, balance problems or slow movements.
  • Pituitary tumors
    These irregular growths form in the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain that produces hormones.
  • Spine problems
    Neurosurgeons work closely with orthopedic surgeons to treat spine problems, including tumors, injuries, degenerative disorders and deformities.
What types of procedures do neurosurgeons perform?

Neurosurgeons perform procedures to treat the brain, spine and nerves. Neurosurgery procedures and techniques we offer include:

Awake craniotomy
We remove a portion of the skull to access your brain and remove the tumor. You stay awake to ensure we do not affect any critical areas of the brain during the operation.
Cavitron
This ultrasonic surgical aspirator disintegrates and draws out brain tumors.
Cortical mapping
This technique shows the neurosurgeon where essential functions are located in the brain, so that they can avoid operating on those areas. Cortical mapping also identifies which area of the brain is causing seizures.
Deep brain stimulation
If other treatments don't control symptoms, we may offer deep brain stimulation (DBS), in which we implant a small device that sends electrical pulses to your brain.
Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery
We use precise, focused radiation beams to shrink and destroy tumors. This advanced procedure doesn't require any incisions.
Intraoperative angiography
We may use blood vessel X-rays during neurosurgery to enhance outcomes for aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations.
Surgical navigation
Our surgeons use specialized computers to plan exactly where to operate in the brain.
Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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