Best Doctor List Near You for Stereotactic Surgery in Calistoga

Stereotactic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to precisely target areas within the brain or other parts of the body using a three-dimensional coordinate system. This technique is commonly employed for biopsies, tumor removal, deep brain stimulation, and the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain types of brain tumors. Stereotactic surgery relies on imaging techniques like CT, MRI, or angiography to guide instruments to the exact location within the brain, allowing for high accuracy while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The cause for utilizing stereotactic surgery often arises from the need to address brain lesions, tumors, or functional disorders with a high degree of precision. The method reduces the risks associated with traditional open surgery, such as large incisions or significant blood loss, by allowing access through smaller entry points and targeting the abnormal tissue or area with pinpoint accuracy. While stereotactic surgery is generally safe and offers significant benefits, it is not without potential complications. Risks can include bleeding, infection, swelling, and unintended damage to nearby brain structures, which may result in neurological deficits. Other complications may arise from anesthesia, and there is a small risk of inaccurate targeting if there are errors in imaging or equipment calibration. Despite these risks, the precision of stereotactic surgery typically results in fewer complications and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgical approaches. Patients undergoing stereotactic surgery often experience shorter hospital stays and reduced postoperative discomfort, allowing them to return to normal activities more quickly.