SKULL BASE SURGERY
Gamma-Knife Surgery – Stereotactic Radiosurgery Gamma Knife™ Treatment: This procedure is performed using beams of highly focused gamma rays. It is used in the treatment of benign and malignant brain tumors and functional brain disorders. Dr. Leary is trained and certified in Gamma Knife surgery and, when indicated, Dr. Leary uses this treatment modality to avoid the risks of open surgery. Dr. Leary is fellowship-trained in stereotactic radiosurgery and is Co-Medical Director of the San Diego Gamma Knife Center. Dr. Leary is instrumental in bringing gamma knife technology and treatment to the San Diego community.
CyberKnife Surgery – Stereotactic Radiosurgery Cyberknife® Treatment: This non-invasive treatment is given using a small linear accelerator mounted on a robotic arm to deliver radiation therapy. It is used to treat tumors and lesions of the brain and spine. Dr. Leary is fellowship-trained in stereotactic radiosurgery and has substantial experience and expertise in delivering this treatment modality to his patients with both brain and spine tumors.
Endoscope Assisted Surgery – utilizing this minimally invasive technique, Dr. Leary performs endoscopic surgeries through the use of “key-hole” approaches providing maximum efficiency to remove lesions, increase patient safety, and reduce patient recovery time.
SKULL BASE CONDITIONS – BRAIN TUMORS
Dr. Leary utilizes various surgical treatment modalities to treat the following conditions:
Acoustic Neuroma – A benign tumor that may develop on the hearing and balance nerves near the inner ear.
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Glioma – Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas begin in the glial cells that surround nerve cells and help them function.
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Ependymoma – Ependymomas are glial tumors that arise from ependymal cells within the central nervous system. These tumors tend to be intracranial in children and spinal in adults.
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Meningioma – A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas may compress or squeeze the adjacent brain, nerves, and vessels. Because meningiomas can affect nearby brain tissue, nerves or vessels and may cause serious disability, sometimes they require surgical intervention.
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Pituitary Adenoma – A pituitary adenoma is a growth or tumor on the pituitary gland. Most pituitary adenomas are slow-growing and benign, however, as they grow bigger, they can put pressure on nearby structures and cause symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms of the “mass effect” worsen and surgery is indicated.
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OTHER SKULL BASE CONDITIONS
Trigeminal Neuralgia – Also called tic douloureux. This condition is caused by the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) that most commonly causes paroxysms of very intense lightning pain in the areas of the face the nerve supplies — the lips, eye, nose, scalp, forehead, gums, cheek, and chin — on the involved side of the face.
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Traumatic Brain Injuries – A traumatic brain injury is an injury that affects how the brain works. A mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells only temporarily. However, more serious injuries can result in bleeding, torn tissues, bruising and other damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries are usually the result of a fall, penetrating injury to the head, or motor vehicle accident.
While completing his fellowship training at University of Southern California and LA County Medical Center, one of the busiest trauma centers in the country, Dr. Leary had exposure to all types of brain and spine trauma patients providing him extensive experience and training in neurotrauma. His training at USC/LACM prepared him to be a key contributor in building the neurotrauma department at Scripps Hospitals. Dr. Leary has served on the neurosurgical trauma call panel at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, and Scripps Mercy Hospital since 2007.
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Cerebral Aneurysms – A cerebral aneurysm is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that balloons or bulges out and fills with blood. The bulging aneurysm can put pressure on the nerves or brain tissue. It may also burst or rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue (called a hemorrhage). Dr. Leary has substantial expertise and experience in the surgical management for this condition.
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