Complex Intracranial Surgery

What is complex intracranial surgery?

Complex intracranial surgery is an innovative treatment approach for brain tumors and brain aneurysms. The team at AHN Neuroscience was the first in western Pennsylvania to offer this minimally invasive brain surgery. We continue to pioneer advances in this surgery, so we can offer our patients the latest and most effective treatment options.

In complex intracranial surgery, a neurosurgeon works closely with an ophthalmologist to perform a range of brain surgeries through a small incision in the eyelid. This less invasive procedure has shown particular benefits for treating brain tumors and aneurysms.

Despite this being a minimally invasive approach to brain surgery, it is understandable you’d have questions and, possibly, concerns. Your care team is here to support you. We will help you understand your options and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Conditions we treat with complex intracranial surgery

Facing a complex neurological condition can feel overwhelming, but you are never alone in your journey. No matter how complex your condition may be, AHN brings together specialists who help guide your care from diagnosis through treatment. Our multidisciplinary team is renowned for its expertise in treating intricate brain and skull base conditions, utilizing advanced surgical approaches — including both cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques and traditional methods — to provide the safest, most effective care possible. We provide treatment for:

• Cerebrovascular conditions: Includes brain aneurysms (treated with microsurgical clipping), dural arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) requiring surgical resection or coordinated intervention, Moyamoya disease (managed with revascularization bypass procedures), carotid artery stenosis, and stroke-related surgical interventions.
• Brain tumors: Encompasses both malignant tumors (such as gliomas) and benign brain tumors (such as meningiomas and acoustic neuromas), as well as complex pituitary tumors. AHN neurosurgeons utilize advanced intraoperative image guidance, navigation, and mapping technologies to maximize tumor resection while preserving vital neurological function.
• Cranial nerve disorders: Includes trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm, which are frequently treated with microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to relieve vascular compression on the affected nerves.
• Other neurological conditions: Includes adult hydrocephalus (managed via shunt procedures or endoscopic third ventriculostomy) and Chiari malformations (requiring posterior fossa decompression surgery).

Benefits of complex intracranial surgery

Our goal of brain surgery is to effectively treat the problem while protecting your brain, so you can continue to function normally after the procedure. With minimally invasive approaches such as complex intracranial surgery, our neurosurgeons help patients retain more physical and mental function and return to active lives after surgery. Patients who undergo complex intracranial surgery instead of traditional brain surgery can benefit in multiple ways with:

• Significant symptom relief
• Shorter surgery
• Shorter recovery, with less pain
• Minimal scarring 

The experts at AHN will work with you to determine if this is the right procedure for your unique needs. We are here to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that helps you get back to living a full life.

Complex intracranial surgery care at AHN: Why choose us?

AHN neurosurgeons were the first in western Pennsylvania to offer this procedure when it became available. Today, our team continues to refine techniques for intracranial surgery, improving the effectiveness and reducing the toll on patients. Our team regularly teaches these new techniques to surgeons in the U.S. and around the world, so that more patients have the opportunity to benefit from this novel procedure. Learn about AHN’s minimally invasive brain surgery.

When patients come to AHN for minimally invasive intracranial surgery, they benefit from:

• Our expertise: AHN’s neurosurgeons are among the most experienced in the country. With the aid of robotics and other precision technologies, our neurosurgeons can safely and effectively perform complex brain surgeries.
• Personalized treatment plans: Physicians with different areas of expertise consult on your care to develop a treatment plan that’s specific to your needs.
• Advanced technology: Minimally invasive surgeries use precise, innovative equipment that lead to more effective treatment. When performing brain surgery, the specialized equipment allows our surgeons to remove the area of concern without harming healthy tissue.
• An easier recovery: After minimally invasive procedures, patients go home sooner than they would after a traditional surgery. Many patients experience less pain and discomfort from surgery, with minimal or no scarring.

At AHN, you’re supported by a team that works together to answer your questions, explain your care plan, and support you through each step your entire treatment plan.

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Allegheny General Hospital
320 East North Avenue, Suite 208
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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Types of complex intracranial surgery

No matter which type of complex intracranial surgery your neurologist and dedicated team have determined is best for you, you can feel secure and confident in your treatment plan. 

Surgery for brain and skull base conditions

AHN’s multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to treat intricate conditions, including performing specialized skull base surgery. Whether you need an experienced neurosurgeon for a tumor or structural repair requiring brain surgery, our specialists provide patient-centered care.

• Brain tumor surgery: This brain surgery safely targets and removes tumors while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. Depending on the diagnosis, your neurosurgeon may use minimally invasive brain surgery techniques or advanced options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Brain tumor surgery aims to maximize recovery and protect neurological function. 
• Chiari malformation surgery: This brain surgery relieves pressure on the brain and spinal cord caused by structural abnormalities. An expert neurosurgeon performs a procedure to create more room at the base of the skull, restoring normal fluid flow. 
• Hydrocephalus treatment: While often managed with shunts, complex cases may require endoscopic intracranial surgery as part of comprehensive brain surgery. Your neurosurgeon will determine the best approach to drain excess fluid and protect cognitive health.

Surgery for blood vessel and nerve disorders

Vascular and nerve conditions require immense precision. Our expert neurosurgeon team utilizes state-of-the-art technology to treat delicate issues affecting blood flow and nerve pathways during brain surgery.

•  Cerebrovascular surgery: This includes vital procedures like brain aneurysm surgery to secure weakened vessels and prevent ruptures. For complex vascular cases, your neurosurgeon may recommend minimally invasive brain surgery or open microsurgical repair. Brain aneurysm surgery requires exceptional skill and advanced intraoperative imaging.
•  Cranial nerve disorder surgery: Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia are frequently treated with microvascular decompression, a precise brain surgery that relieves vascular compression and eliminates chronic facial pain.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation is a specialized therapeutic procedure used to help manage neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. During the procedure, a neurosurgeon carefully implants electrodes into specific regions of the brain, connected to a pulse generator to regulate abnormal electrical impulses. This advanced brain surgery can significantly improve motor function and quality of life for eligible patients. Learn more about AHN DBS for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders.

Complex intracranial surgery side effects

Your AHN specialist will discuss any specific side effects you might be more likely to experience but, generally, the potential side effects and risks of intracranial surgery can be categorized into a few key areas:

• General surgical risks: As with any major surgery, these include the risk of infection at the surgical site, bleeding (hemorrhage), brain swelling (edema), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Neurological and cognitive effects: Depending on the specific location of the surgery within the brain, potential side effects may include temporary or permanent changes in memory, concentration, or personality. Patients may also experience speech difficulties, vision or hearing changes, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
• Seizures: New-onset seizures can sometimes occur following brain surgery, requiring short- or long-term management with anti-seizure medications.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks: There is a risk that the fluid surrounding the brain could leak through the surgical incision or nasal passages, which sometimes requires additional intervention.
• Systemic risks: Prolonged immobility or the nature of major surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. 

Please keep in mind that the exact profile of risks varies significantly depending on the patient's specific diagnosis, overall health, and the precise area of the brain involved.

What to expect at your new patient visit

When you receive care at the AHN Neuroscience Institute, you’ll be seen by board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and pain management physicians who can deliver highly specialized treatments using the latest, most advanced technologies. We recommend that you bring a trusted friend or family member to attend any appointment, but we do not recommend taking young children who cannot be left unattended in the waiting rooms.

We encourage you to sign up for AHN MyChart, where you can complete some new patient paperwork and questionnaires through the MyChart web portal or MyChart smartphone app.

Plan to arrive at the check in desk about 30 minutes prior to the start of your appointment. That will provide enough time for the necessary intake information. Even if you use the eCheck-in through MyChart, we ask that you arrive at a check-in desk 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to make sure we have your appropriate information.

What to take to your first visit

We recommend that you bring a trusted friend or family member to attend any appointment, but we do not recommend taking young children who cannot be left unattended in the waiting rooms. There are also certain items and paperwork you’ll want to have with you, so our office staff and healthcare team have your necessary information.

Required identification and payment

In order to process your information and start your appointment on time, please bring:

• Insurance cards.
• Photo ID.
• Copay (no cash accepted).

Medical information and records

Please bring copies of previous medical records, including office visit notes, lab work, hospital stay summaries, and radiology reports from outside health organizations. You’ll also want to have a complete list of medications and supplements, including dosing amounts.

For workers’ compensation or auto claim purposes, please have: date of injury, claim number, billing address, and the name and phone number of the claims adjuster

Imaging studies (if applicable)

If you have had imaging studies done outside of Allegheny Health Network imaging locations, you will need to consider the following instructions:

• Contact the imaging facility and request a physical disc with the imaging and radiologist report.
• Some sites will require a few days to a week’s notice before you can pick up the disc.
• If you do not have copies of imaging, your initial evaluation will be incomplete, and we may need to schedule additional appointments.

Personal items and equipment (if applicable)

If you will require any personal items or medical equipment — walker, cane, wheelchair, oxygen — that will make your post-procedure care easier, please bring that with you.

Post-surgery care and rehab

Following brain surgery, patients at AHN can expect a team-based rehab approach to post-surgery care. This includes a comprehensive plan that integrates care from different medical specialties. Your care team may include:

• Physical therapy (PT): Focuses on restoring strength, balance, mobility, and gross motor coordination to help patients safely regain physical independence.
• Occupational therapy (OT): Assists patients in relearning and adapting to daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, and managing fine motor tasks.
• Speech therapy: Addresses any post-surgical challenges related to speech, language comprehension, cognitive-communication, and swallowing safety. 
• Neuropsychology: Evaluates and supports cognitive functions—including memory, attention, and executive functioning—to aid in cognitive rehabilitation and tracking recovery progress.
• Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation: Provides structured, progressive therapy programs tailored to the patient's specific recovery stage, ensuring a seamless continuum of care from hospital discharge back to the community.

It’s important to remember that recovery timelines vary, and that AHN guides patients and families through each stage with personalized support. 

AHN Neurosurgery Department

The AHN Neurosurgery Department is dedicated to improving our patients’ lives. This patient-centered approach leads every decision we make. Using advanced treatment options, our renowned neurosurgeons have pioneered novel therapies using cutting-edge techniques and equipment to positively change lives. We operate in a team-based approach to identify the best course of treatment for our patients that considers their overall health.

Prior to coming to AHN, patients often have anxiety or fear regarding their options. Our dedicated team is here listen, learn, and educate about your choices. From diagnosis through treatment and to recovery, we are with you every step of the way to deliver the best health outcomes possible.

You’ll benefit from physicians dedicated to developing new treatments, integrative multidisciplinary clinics, and participation in advanced clinical trials. Our experienced team of board-certified experts include neurosurgery and pain management specialists. They collaborate on diagnosing and treating complex neurosurgical conditions.

Learn more about AHN’s Neurosurgery Department.

Contact us

To schedule an appointment or learn more about AHN Neurosurgery services, call 412-359-6200.