Northwestern Medicine invests in neurosurgery program in McHenry County
Northwestern Medicine recently invested in developing neurosurgery, ear nose and throat (ENT) surgery and neurological critical care in McHenry County to support a growing brain tumor program.
Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital has a new neuro-navigation system, operative microscope, and tumor ultrasonic aspiration instrument. ENT instruments and endoscopes also were purchased to facilitate the hospital’s first trans-nasal endoscopic resection of a pituitary tumor. The next step is the development of a formal brain tumor clinic.
Many patients who previously required a transfer to other institutions now can receive care in McHenry County.
Michael Caron, neurosurgeon, performed Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital’s first minimally invasive surgery to remove a pituitary tumor through the nose. It is done using a tiny endoscope camera and light to remove tumors with long instruments inserted through the nostrils.
“It is a very delicate surgery due to the location of the pituitary at the base of the skull close to the optic nerves, carotid arteries and sinuses,” Caron said. “We were fortunate to assemble a team of highly experienced physicians to now offer this surgery locally.”
The surgery requires a team approach. ENT surgeon Dr. Mobeen Shirazi, a specialist in sinus surgery, drilled small holes in bones behind the nose and sinus to create a pathway to the pituitary. Once the final thin bony structure under the pituitary was opened up, Caron removed the tumor in small pieces. During the procedure, surgeons use computer-assisted neuro-navigation, similar to a fighter jet navigation system.
“Once the tumor is removed, we patch the hole in the bone. The nasal mucosa grows back over the patch,” Caron said. “Patients heal very well, and the cure rate, depending on the type of pituitary tumor is as high as 90%.”
Northwestern Medicine established neurosurgery services at McHenry Hospital and Huntley Hospital in February 2021 under the direction of Dr. Michael Walsh, chief of neurosurgery, Northwestern Medicine Health Network.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have high-caliber surgeons with valuable experience. This successful pituitary surgery marks a particularly special milestone in the growth of the program at McHenry Hospital,” Walsh said. “It is a real honor and joy to be able to improve the delivery of care to local residents.”
Dr. George E. DePhillips, joined the neurosurgery program in August 2021 with a focus on spinal surgery. Caron, and Dr. Kevin Jackson, members of the Northwestern Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery, joined the local team in August 2022. Caron, who has more than 30 years’ experience, began to develop a brain and pituitary tumor program.
The treatment team includes Dr. Alok Patel, critical care neurologist; Dr. Adam Tiagonce, anesthesiology; and Dr. Ayla Bakar, endocrinology. The large support team consists of a physician assistant, operating room nurses, OR and intensive care unit leaders, an equipment vendor coordinator, vendor representatives and additional staff.
“Now we can perform surgery close to home for 80% to 90% of patients with brain tumors in the McHenry and Huntley areas,” Caron said. “Additionally, we are a destination for patients in Rockford and southern Wisconsin who want to access the Northwestern Medicine health care system.”
Anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine is among the nation’s leading centers in comprehensive care for brain, spine, and nervous system disorders. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked among the top 10 neurology and neurosurgery programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences.