Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery at Wellstar

Complex brain and spine conditions require expert care and attention. When non-invasive treatments have proven unsuccessful, patients can find the highest level of care from a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon.

Neurosurgeons have trained for an average of eight to nine years. These experts are focused on protecting the spinal cord, nerves and brain, and have significantly more training than any other surgeon who operates on the spine.

Our neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of minimally-invasive procedures and complex surgeries. Each specializes in a different area, often collaborating with each other for the best patient outcomes.

Collaborative Care

Neurosurgeons lead the team for patients with brain and spinal conditions, but care plans and treatments are highly collaborative.

Our neurosurgeons partner with neuroradiologists, neurologists, pain management specialists, neurological physical therapists, and chiropractors to diagnose and help patients get relief.

Wellstar’s coordinated services for brain and spine care at hospitals and health parks make it easy for patients to access the care they need.

Proven excellence

At Wellstar, we take surgery seriously. That’s why surgical solutions for brain conditions, spine disorders, as well as back and neck pain are only recommended when no other treatment path is likely to be successful.

Our team excels to meet and exceed national quality metrics. We are reviewed by third parties to ensure patients can count on the highest quality care and the best outcomes.

Our spinal surgery programs are accredited Programs of Excellence by Aetna and Blue Cross.

Many of our patients get peace of mind and confidence when a neurosurgeon says they can heal without surgery.

Cerebrovascular & Neurocritical Care

When someone experiences a severe stroke, aneurysm or brain injury, rapid access to expert cerebrovascular and neurocritical care physicians can make all the difference.

With the largest Joint Commission Stroke Certified hospital network in the Southeast, Wellstar is a leader in providing effective and personalized care for patients who have experienced a critical stroke, aneurysm or brain injury.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital both offer the highest level of care for complex strokes and aneurysms. That means you don’t have to go far for the best and safest cerebrovascular and neurocritical care.

Expert Care for Brain & Spine Cancer

A diagnosis of a brain or spine tumor affects each person differently. While for some people, the tumor’s location in the central nervous system can cause disorientation, an altered mental state, dizziness and seizures, for others the symptoms will look different. Here, every patient is unique and deserves a personalized care team and plan that's right for them.

The compassionate team at the Wellstar Brain & Spine Tumor STAT Clinic is made up of leading medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons who come together to offer the most urgent, patient-centric experience diagnosis and treatment for benign and malignant tumors of the brain and spine. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists helps patients with nervous system tumors get a treatment plan quicker. Earlier decisions about cancer treatment plans can lead to a faster treatment start date and better outcomes.

Our team works closely with select local and national partners to give patients access to the latest clinical trials. And, our oncologists, radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic and can request electronic consultations for complex cases, at no additional cost to the patient. Wellstar is the first health system in Georgia that is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Get a unified opinion from 3 specialists in 1 day at 1 place

Wellstar is known for its innovative Specialty Teams & Treatments (STAT) Clinic model, which is different from traditional diagnosis and care for brain and spine tumors. Patients and their families typically spend weeks making appointments and visiting different specialists across town. Then they must consider various recommendations and choose the best treatment path.

Here, patients with brain and spine tumors are seen by three board-certified specialists on the same day in the same setting and only need one set of imaging and tests. Our tight-knit team of highly skilled specialists collaborate and offer patients a unified treatment plan recommendation. Patients often comment on the unrushed manner and high level of concern experienced when they meet one-on-one with the medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon.

An urgent diagnosis for better patient outcomes

We believe patients with cancer should be provided with an urgent diagnosis and treatment plan. Beginning treatment faster often leads to better patient outcomes. That’s why patients with brain and spine cancer receive a recommended treatment plan the same day they meet with the STAT Clinic team. This allows patients with glioblastoma, astrocytoma, meningioma, pituitary tumors and spinal cord tumors to discuss the recommendation with their families and make a decision faster, so they are able to proceed with treatment.

Nurse Navigation & Support Services

While patients benefit from the high level of medical expertise, they are just as vocal about the care provided by nurse navigators. These nurses foster communication between patients and their network of specialists, help them get the follow-up care they need, and provide emotional support. When needed, patients can also see team members such as a registered dietitian, counselor, and a social worker.

Neuroradiology & Advanced Imaging

Wellstar is one of the only programs in the nation with a dedicated neuroradiology program. Our experts have advanced training specific to the nervous system. Neuroradiologists read imaging studies to help diagnose nervous system tumors more accurately. Patients may have CT scans, MRI scans, myelograms and/or angiograms to assess brain and spine tumors and their relation to related blood vessels.

Advanced Treatment Technology

Wellstar invests in state-of-the-art technology to give our patients access to leading treatments. Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is the only program in Atlanta with two CyberKnife radio-surgery robots. If this treatment is recommended to the patient, the technology delivers high-dose radiation with pinpoint precision to tumors painlessly and without incisions. Patients also have access to Optune^®, a device that delivers electromagnetic treatment to break down brain tumor DNA.

Because of the advanced level of care and technology offered here, this program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.