New Treatment for Specialized Brain Tumor Affecting 1 in 3,500 Preserves Hearing for First Time; New Surgery Expected to Replace Common Procedure That Renders Patients Deaf.

LOS ANGELES -- A new procedure introduced by the founder of the Skull Base Institute in Los Angeles for the first time allows those suffering from a specialized brain tumor to preserve their hearing. Up until now, those suffering from acoustic neuromas (AN), which are benign tumors situated near the hearing canal, had to undergo an invasive, open-brain procedure resulting in permanent hearing loss. Because such tumors are situated close to the seventh cranial nerve, the traditional surgery also leaves patients vulnerable to permanent facial paralysis, making it impossible to smile, close one's eyes or activate any movement on the affected side of the face.

This revolutionary new procedure, which has the potential to help the estimated 1 in 3,500 individuals suffering from AN, substantially reduces any chance of damaging any of the facial nerves. The Skull Base Institute, which published the results of a study proving the efficacy of the new technique in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, is the only facility in the world offering the new treatment.

Internationally renowned skull base surgeon Hrayr Shahinian, M.D., founder of the Skull Base Institute, pioneered the new, safer technique that involves the use of custom-designed micro-instruments, including a neuro-endoscope, to remove the tumor. After making a dime-sized opening behind the ear, Shahinian inserts the endoscope directly into the affected area to gain a panoramic view of the tumor, which he then removes safely and in its entirety. The traditional surgical technique, on the other hand, requires a team of surgeons who begin the procedure by making a four- to five-inch, C-shaped incision behind the patient's ear to create a large opening in the skull through the patient's hearing mechanism, which is sacrificed in the process. They then push aside the brain so they can access and remove the tumor.

In addition to the potential of preserving the patient's hearing and substantially reducing the risk of facial paralysis, benefits of the new, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure over the traditional method include superior results, substantially reduced operative time and a shorter hospital stay (generally 48 hours). Furthermore, patients experience fewer complications and reduced recovery times.

Symptoms of AN include persistent or intermittent ringing of the ears, vertigo, dizziness, headaches and even fainting spells. If left untreated, ANs can be fatal even though the tumors themselves are benign.

The Skull Base Institute has turned the medical community upside down with its endoscopic approach to skull base surgery. To date, Shahinian has treated more than 2,500 patients using advanced endoscopy, leading to a paradigm shift in this field of medicine. The Skull Base Institute is located at 8635 West 3rd Street, Suite 1170-W, Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.skullbaseinstitute.com.