U.S. News – Health Watch - Special Advertising Section - July 12, 2004

Roosevelt Hospital – The Center For Cranial Base Surgery

As recently as 10 years ago, tumors located at the base of the brain of behind the structures of the face were either considered inoperable, or the treatment resulted in permanent facial deformity. They were frequently too difficult and too dangerous for surgeons to reach. Even when benign, these tumors can damage nerves and other structures that control breathIng. Vision, walking. hearing, facial expression and other vital functions.

Consequently, many patients - including otherwise healthy Individuals In the prime of Iife ­ had to endure severe disability or pain. But thanks to dramatic advances in cranial base surgery, this is no longer true for most patients. Many are able to resume normal, healthy lives, with function and appearance intact. Still, cranial base surgery is complex multiphase surgery that demands the utmost precision, focus and skill – and the combined expertise of multiple specialists. That’s exactly what you’II find at The Center for Cranial Base Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital. Neuro-anesthesiologist Jonathan Lesser, M.D. and as needed, specialists in neuro-otology. radiation therapy, medical oncology, interventional radiology and minimally invasive spine surgery round out the team

One of the busiest and most experienced programs of it’s kind in the New York metropolitan area. The Center is nationally and internationally known for technical excellence and superior outcomes. Moreover, Co-directors Chandranath Sen. M.D. and Peter D. Costantino. M.D. FACS are leaders in the field. Partners for more than a decade, both have dedicated their careers to this challenging surgical specialty. Together and separately, they have pioneered delicate microsurgical techniques and innovative biomaterials that minimize complications and improve patients’ ability to regain function and appearance following surgery. Dr. Sen is a board-certified neuro­surgeon, and Dr. Costantino is certified in both otolaryngology - head and neck surgery, and head and neck oncology, and reconstructive surgery.

"Our multidisciplinary approach – along with the ongoing commitment and focus of our team members - is critically Important to our success", says Dr. Costantino. "It allows us to perform all aspects of the surgery in a seamless fashion - a tremendous advantage for patients. What's more, no single Individual has the breadth of training necessary to deal with every component of a cranial base case."

"Just this morning," comments Dr. Sen. ''we operated on a 25-year-old man who had a benign tumor wrapped around the nerves that enable him to speak, swallow and hear. As in every case, his surgery was preceded by intense planning. He is now recovering in the hospital’s neurosurgical intensive care unit."

The center serves as a referral center nationally and internationally for such complex problems, Cutting-edge technology like advanced image guidance and minimally invasive endoscope approaches are combined with microsurgery, to accomplish optimal outcomes.

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