Neurosurgeon and Otologist?

[phx]

Has anyone been operated by both? Don't they have to work together during the surgery if the tumor is pushing out to the brain? I was told that the Neurosurgeon would do his part that involved the brain and the Otologist would do his part with the ear.

[leapyrtwins]

phx -

it is the norm for doctors to work in teams during AN surgery.

I had a neurotologist and a neurosurgeon. 

AN surgery is done through a microscope through a tiny "window" in the skull and the tumor is actually peeled away layer by layer - so most AN surgeries are long.

I notice you are a newbie.  Welcome to the Forum.

Have you contacted the ANA about their informational literature?  It's fabulous and very informative.  If you haven't requested it yet, I highly recommend it.

Best,

Jan

[jaylogs]

I also had both a neurologist and neuro-otologist.  The way it was explained to me, the neuro-otologist peels away all the layers down to the tumor and then then neurologist gets the tumor out.  In my case, they both can do everything so if something happens to the one guy, the other can take over if needed (potty break I'm thinking...lol). 
Jay

[leapyrtwins]

Potty break - very funny 

Actually since removing a tumor layer by layer using a microscope is such tedious "close" work, the doctors frequently "spell" each other during the surgery.  It gives them each a chance for a "set of new eyes" and keeps them fresh.

Of course, the potty break may very well be relevant also! 

Jan

[Pembo]

My surgeons were on the microscope for 16 hours. I've always wondered exactly what each of them did and where they were during the whole surgery...

[lori67]

It was explained to me that the neurotologist (or ENT) does everything outside the dura mater and the neurosurgeon does everything inside.  I guess kinda like a "Tag!  You're it" scenario.

I know I wouldn't last 16 hours without a potty break.  Or a chocolate break.  Or a coffee break.  And maybe a nap....

Lori

[Pooter]

I had a team (Otologist and Neurosurgeon) as well...  It's very common for them to work as a team.

Potty break?  heh..  I hadn't thought of that, but during my 12 hour surgery, I guess that would've come up a couple of times..  I imagine them needing to eat a snack during that time came up a time or two also to keep their energy up.

I've never really been clear on which one did what, but I know they both played an important role.

Regards,
Brian

[Jim Scott]

Phx ~

Although most AN removal surgical teams seem to employ both an otolaryngologist and a neurosurgeon, I had two neurosurgeons perform my AN surgery.  The lead doctor was highly experienced (30+years) in AN removals and his assistant, a younger (mid-30's) female neurosurgeon he was mentoring to take over his practice, assisted him.  The need for an otolaryngologist was never mentioned in my consultations with the neurosurgeon.  The surgery went exceptionally well and I never even thought about not having an otolaryngologist in the OR.

Jim 

[leapyrtwins]

Pembo -

did you ever read your operative report?  It should tell you which doctor did which part(s) of your surgery.

I read mine about a week post op, but it's been a while since my surgery so I don't recall the specifics.

I know that my neurotologist is the one who sewed me up after my AN was removed but other than that, memory fails me.

Jan

[Denise S]

My comments 100% same as Jan's first one!   I had both neurotologist and neurosurgeon.    Also got wonderful literature from ANA.

I also got much wonderful, helpful literature from my neurotologist office at Michigan Ear Institute.   Plus, the neurosurgeon I had focuses mostly on AN surgery or radiation.   He too gave me much helpful literature on both previous to surgery.    You may have to ask for it, some doctors don't just give you handfuls of stuff.

I didn't look at previous posts, but are you asking PRE surgery?

 

[Mei Mei]

I too had both an ENT and neurosurgeon and each took over their own sections of the nine hour surgery as noted in the operative report...they sign off on their own specialties.
Mei Mei