Jersey Shore University Medical Center Opens Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery
October 05, 2020
The Center’s specially trained and accomplished team works collaboratively to treat adults & children with tumors and other abnormalities of the cranial base
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently opened the Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery, providing treatment for adults and children with tumors and other abnormalities of the cranial base. The program’s team of specially trained and experienced surgeons work collaboratively to provide patients with individualized treatments plans, designed to preserve function, improve survival, and restore patients to their normal lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible.
“The greatest challenge in skull base surgery is operating in an area with so many vitally important structures. The diseases we treat are often very close to critical nerves and blood vessels of the brain, head, neck or spinal cord. Traditionally, performing surgery in this area of the body was very high risk and involved long, complex operations. We are fortunate to have assembled a team of highly trained surgeons who can perform these surgeries in a much safer and delicate way with excellent outcomes,” said Pinakin R. Jethwa, M.D., FAANS, dual-trained neurosurgeon and co-director of the Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery.
“We now have the expertise and technology to be able to approach various tumors and other pathology of the cranial base endoscopically, allowing for incredibly precise, minimally invasive surgery. Through these approaches, our patients are able to enjoy a much faster and easier recovery. There is also considerably less risk of damage to vital nearby structures,” said Josef Shargorodsky, M.D., MPH, rhinologist and co-director of the Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery.
The accomplished team is comprised of fellowship-trained adult and pediatric neurosurgeons, fellowship-trained skull base otolaryngologists (ENT) and craniofacial plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons, as well as medical neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, epileptologists, intensivists, neuro-radiologists, neuro-pathologists, and palliative medicine physicians. “This new program involves many of our most highly specialized physicians and surgeons. I’m proud they are coming together to pool their expertise and collective talents to help our patients,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Skull base tumors can be benign or malignant. The skull base team works in concert with all of the patient’s physicians, including oncologists, to deliver optimal treatment. Examples of diseases that may be treated include: meningiomas, schwannomas, brain aneurysms and other blood vessel malformations, cysts, growths caused by infections, pituitary gland tumors, metastatic tumors, chordomas, and craniopharyngiomas, which are rare tumors that grow near the pituitary gland, typically affecting children but can also affect adults.
The Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery is part of The Neuroscience Institute at the academic medical center, led by Chairman Alan Colicchio, M.D. Under Dr. Colicchio’s leadership, the Center is able to offer a complete lineup of neuroscience services for spine injuries, concussion, epilepsy, brain tumors, movement disorders, memory and more, including Monmouth and Ocean counties’ only Stroke Rescue Center. “Many of the program’s skilled providers have practiced at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for years, but the creation of this program interconnects them, enabling greater collaboration and increasing the accessibility of their distinct services for patients,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Hackensack Meridian Health, Southern Market.
For more information about the center, visit www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/services/surgical-specialties/cranial-base-surgery/. For information on how to make an appointment, call 732-776-3434.
ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Neptune, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level II Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 1,200 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s team provides quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.
The team’s commitment to excellence has earned Jersey Shore University Medical Center numerous accolades, including being named the #6 top hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2020-2021. The medical center’s clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through an affiliation with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and a new affiliation with St. George’s University School of Medicine. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s programs and services have received numerous national recognitions, including designation as high-performing in cardiac, stroke, surgical and oncology services.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s HOPE Tower – a $265 million 10-story medical office building provides a new healing outpatient experience. Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, HOPE Tower includes advanced imaging services, a clinical academic center, innovative simulation laboratory, state-of-the-art amphitheater, specialty physician offices, a nine-level parking garage, and a 58,000 square foot cancer facility. The new cancer facility features a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Nurse navigators guide patients through every step and provide an extra layer of support and coordination. For more information, visit https://www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/.