Minimally invasive, scarless brain surgery

July 26, 2017

Overview

Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, shares information about an innovative technique that offers patients with brain tumors a scarless treatment option.

Leveraging the expertise of surgeons who are familiar with the anatomy of the brain, eyes and frontal sinuses, this minimally invasive technique builds on an upper blepharoplasty — the cosmetic surgery for aging eyelids. Surgeons access the supraorbital bone through the fold within the upper eyelid. Then, through the quarter-sized incision, tiny cameras and microsurgical tools are introduced into the brain to remove the tumor.

At the end of surgery, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon closes the incision, ensuring the tiny scar remains well-hidden.