Neurosurgery

Pediatric Neurosurgery

The Neurosurgery Department at Children’s Hospital New Orleans provides evaluation, diagnostic services, medical and surgical treatment, and follow-up care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with diseases or congenital anomalies of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. Our team of fellowship trained and board-certified providers perform a high volume of procedures each year using the most highly advanced technology available. Particular attention is given to the treatment of brain tumors, craniospinal trauma, epilepsy, spasticity, craniofacial anomalies, and the care of patients with congenital malformation of the central nervous system. A specialized eight-bed spinal unit is also available for the neurosurgical patients.

Highlights of our program

• Multidisciplinary teams – The pediatric neurosurgeons participate in several multidisciplinary clinics at Children’s Hospital including the Spina Bifida Clinic, the Brachial Plexus Clinic, and the Craniofacial Clinic. These clinics allow our providers from multiple specialties to work together to optimize treatment for each patient while allowing patients to see multiple providers at the same appointment.
• Comprehensive Neurosciences Center – The pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with their colleagues in the Pediatric Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments to provide easy collaboration within the Neurosciences Center at Children’s Hospital.
• Specialized, state-of-the-art equipment - The ROSA® surgical robot is an assistant that uses computer-guided, minimally invasive technology to treat children with severe epilepsy conditions. Children’s Hospital is the only facility in the state of Louisiana with this technology. Children from across the state and surrounding regions will now have access to this life-changing service.

Commonly treated conditions:

• Brachial plexus injuries
• Brain and spinal cord cysts and tumors
• Cerebrovascular disorders
• Congenital malformation of the central nervous system – Chiari malformation, Spina Bifida
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Head and spinal trauma
• Craniosynostosis
• Epilepsy
• Neuromuscular disorders - Spasticity and Cerebral Palsy

Benefits of working with a pediatric neurosurgeon

Even a highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeon may not be the best choice to perform an operation on a child with a neurological disorder. Surgeons need to take a very different approach when operating on younger patients. Not only are their bodies different, but the emotional state of the patient needs to be considered as well. Children and families often fare far better when working with someone who knows how to address their anxieties and guide them through the procedure.

Most children with neurological disorders have a lifelong condition— another factor that needs to be considered when performing surgery. These patients will require ongoing care as they get older, and it is often beneficial to continue working with the same care team in order to build a strong relationship between patient and doctor. Children often have a difficult time speaking up about specific aspects of their condition that are bothering them, which is why it is good for them to work with a doctor who understands them and knows how to talk to them.

Pediatric neurosurgical care for perinatal patients

Our pediatric neurosurgery team works closely with obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine providers to ensure that newborns and infants receive the care that is needed after birth. If a potential neurosurgical condition such as hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, or a neural tube defect is identified in the prenatal period, the pediatric neurosurgical team is often consulted to help address the concerns. The team is available to meet with the expectant parents prenatally to discuss what to expect after the child is born. In addition, the team plays an active role in the monthly prenatal conference with the maternal fetal medicine and neonatology teams so that they are best prepared to treat the patient at the time of delivery. The pediatric neurosurgery team provides valuable expertise and collaboration while creating a treatment plan that will best address the child’s congenital anomalies. Prenatal pediatric neurosurgical consultation with the maternal fetal medicine providers and the expectant parents can have a significant impact on the perinatal management of the child.

Your family is not in this alone

The team at the Children’s Hospital Neuroscience Center is committed to helping patients and their families build a better life. When your family needs help, our team is ready to stand by your side. Children’s Hospital New Orleans is proud to be recognized as a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, and one of only three in Louisiana and the Gulf South region. Our Neurosurgery team provides trauma coverage for all injured patients, such as children involved in motor vehicle accidents, violence, abuse, or other serious trauma events.

Refer a patient

The Children’s Hospital Neurosurgery Department welcomes referrals from a physician or healthcare provider for a newborn, infant, child, adolescent, or young adult. In addition, the department welcomes new patients and those interested in seeking a second opinion. Referring providers may enter a referral in Epic or may contact the Scheduling Department at 504.896.2888. Referrals may also be faxed to 504.896.2889.

For more information about the Neurosurgery Center or to schedule an appointment, please call 504.896.9568.