Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery that utilizes a variety of tools to minimize trauma to bodily tissue during surgery. This type of surgery involves using smaller instruments and smaller incisions than traditional surgical methods. Our neurosurgeons perform minimally invasive surgery for a wide range of conditions.

The Children’s Wisconsin Neurosurgery Program offers the following minimally invasive surgical options:

Endoscopic surgery is used to treat conditions such as hydrocephalus, tumors, and craniosynostosis. This type of minimally invasive procedure uses endoscope, which is a small steerable camera. Along with special instruments, our neurosurgeons are able to work on hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to access via traditional surgery. It also minimizes the size of the incision and lessens the impact to areas around the surgical location.

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a diagnostic surgical procedure used to identify specific areas of seizure activity in the brain. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which neurosurgeons implant electrodes into the brain through small holes in the skull. Using an image-guided neurosurgical robot, surgeons can perform SEEG more efficiently. The electrodes monitor seizure activity in targeted areas and allow neurosurgeons to determine the exact areas where seizures begin.

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) is a treatment for epilepsy and brain tumors. Children's Wisconsin is one of a small number of centers in the nation, and currently the only one in the state of Wisconsin, to offer stereotactic laser ablation (SLA). SLA uses a laser to deliver focused energy to a targeted part of the brain. A thin laser ablation probe (less than 2 mm in diameter) is guided into the center of the target tissue. The patient is then transported to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite where imaging confirms proper placement of the probe. The laser ablation is performed in the MRI machine to allow the surgeons to monitor the effects of the treatment as it happens.

Because minimally invasive surgery requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery, it provides many advantages, including:

• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery after surgery
• Improved cosmetic results

Minimally invasive surgery typically results in similar outcomes to traditional surgery. However, it is not an option in every case. We develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. After we have a full understanding of your child's unique condition, our specialists will work with you to recommend the most effective treatment options.