New Techniques at PMMC Offer Hope to Patients with Brain and Spinal Tumors
By:  Sagi Kuznits, M.D.

Removal of brain tumors through a computerized technique, Frameless Stereotactic Navigation, and a laminectomy procedure with removal of tumors of the spinal cord, have been introduced to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center by neurosurgeon Dr. Sagi Kuznits. 

Once a brain tumor is diagnosed, the physician determines the best way to treat it. Often, surgery is the best option for removing as much of the tumor as possible.  Dr. Kuznits uses a frameless stereotactic computer guidance system to pinpoint the tumor, improving the safety and accuracy of the surgery.  Instead of a "flat" image of the brain, the computer-based technology provides a three-dimensional picture.

“The guidance system allows three-dimensional referencing, which is useful during surgery to assist in locating and aggressively removing tumors,” explained Dr. Kuznits.

“Patients usually have less postoperative discomfort because these techniques limit the size of the incision and protect the brain tissue. Stereotactic approaches also reduce anesthesia time and hospital stay.”

The laminectomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, which can be caused by a tumor pressing on the vertebrae.  For patients with tumors of the spine, removal can sometimes be difficult because of the closeness of the spine and root nerves that run through and between the vertebrae. Additionally, the tumor may cause the bone to start collapsing in on itself.

Dr. Kuznits’ surgery to treat a vertebral tumor focuses on removing the tumor and restoring the height of the vertebrae to avoid compressing the spinal cord or nearby nerves.

“Many of these tumors take up room in the spinal canal and cause them to press on nerves,” Kuznits added.  “Tumors that are located around the lining of the nerves can grow in size and can take up nearly 95 percent of the spinal canal.  Patients can be in pain, and by removing the tumor, we reduce the pressure on the nerves.”

Dr. Sagi Kuznits is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine.  He completed a residency in neurosurgery at Northwestern University in Illinois.  He is board certified in neurological surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His office is located at Neurosurgical Care, L.L.C., 649 N. Lewis Road, Suite 225, Royersford.