Hello, undertheknife-ga!
Thanks so much for your patience while I compiled this answer. I was
unable to contact any of the medical offices until today due to the
July 4th holiday.
I have personally called the various offices below to check the
accuracy of the information I found through my research. After
numerous phone calls to message machines yesterday, along with
individual conversations with office personnel today, I finally had to
stop racking up the long-distance calls!! If you need further
information and you are already living in the Seattle area, it will
likely be more efficient if you can call and speak at length to a
receptionist concerning physician availability without having to worry
about long-distance charges.
I have broken down my answer into three sections:
* Neurosurgeon/Hospital references
* Physician report services
* A general overview of spinal tumors and recommendations on choosing a
surgeon
While I am quite sure there are other neurosurgeons who perform
operations for the removal of spinal tumors, the names I have included
are those who highlight a specific focus on spinal surgeries. Other
surgeons may be available through each office so be sure to ask for
further references when you call. I purposely omitted those doctors
who did not indicate a direct focus on the spine. That does not mean
that other neurosurgeons do not perform spinal surgeries, however.
************************
NEUROSURGEONS/HOSPITALS
************************
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER
===========================================
One of the first steps in finding good doctors or hospitals is to look
at the "US News and World Report - Best Hospitals 2004." According to
the 2004 report, University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle
ranks an impressive number 17 in the country for Neurology and
Neurosurgery. So, as it turns out, you have one of the top-rated
neurological spine care facilities right in your backyard!
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/hosptl/rankings/specihqneur.htm
Spine - Patient Care
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/ptcare/spine.html
"The UW Department of Neurological Surgery specializes in the
treatment of all spine and spinal cord diseases and disorders. Our
multi-disciplinary team, made up of neurosurgeons, orthopedic
surgeons, and rehabilitation medicine physicians, evaluates patients
with complex spine and spinal cord problems. With one of the largest
spine and spinal cord experiences in the world, we are able to provide
patients comprehensive care, bring cutting-edge research from the
laboratory to the clinical setting, and ensure state-of-the art
facilities and resources for the population. Our unique clinical
expertise has resulted in the development of new therapies and
instrumentation for the spinal cord and spine. US News & World Report
lists our Rehabilitation facilities as one of the best in the US. Drs.
Andrew Dailey, Richard Ellenbogen, Robert Goodkin, David Newell, David
Pitkethly and Daniel Silbergeld provide the neurosurgical services for
our team at the four UW affiliated hospitals.
"Just as tumors, infections, and vascular lesions can occur in the
brain, they occur in the spine and spinal cord. Tumors of the spinal
cord may cause symptoms such as weakness, loss of sensation, and bowel
and bladder problems that result from interrupting spinal cord
function. These tumors may be benign or malignant and are generally
primary tumors, not metastatic lesions (please see tumor sections for
more details). Examples of spinal cord tumors are astrocytomas,
ependymomas, meningiomas, schwannomas, and epidermoids. Vascular
lesions, such as AVM's, may also be found in the spinal cord. They too
can cause symptoms that are similar to tumors and may even cause
spinal cord strokes. Surgery may be warranted for removal or tumors,
vascular lesions, and infection. In some cases, radiation and
chemotherapy may be required."
University of Washington Spine Center Website
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/spine_center/
NEUROSURGEONS (U of W Harborview Medical Center)
=================================================
ANDREW DAILEY, M.D.
-------------------
University of Washington Harborview Medical Center
Department of Neurological Surgery
700 Ninth Avenue, Box 359766
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone- 206-521-1848
"Dr. Dailey?s primary focus is on the acute and chronic surgical
management of patients with spinal cord injuries, as well as spinal
cord tumors and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine."
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/dailey.html
DAVID W. NEWELL, M.D.
----------------------
University of Washington Harborview Medical Center
Department of Neurological Surgery
700 Ninth Avenue, Box 359766
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone- 206-521-1848
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/newell.html
"Dr. Newell focuses primarily on surgical treatments of the spine and
cerebrovascular systems, with special expertise in cerebral aneurysms,
ateriovenous malformations, bypass procedures, and minimally invasive
spine surgery."
DAVID PITKETHLY, M.D.
-----------------------
University of Washington Harborview Medical Center
Department of Neurological Surgery
700 Ninth Avenue, Box 359766
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone- 206-521-1848
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/pitkethly.html
"Dr. Pitkethly is a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the
University of Washington School of Medicine and an attending
Neurosurgeon at Harborview Medical Center. Dr. Pitkethly's clinical
practice focuses primarily on the spine."
MARJORIE C. WANG, M.D.
---------------------
University of Washington Harborview Medical Center
Department of Neurological Surgery
700 Ninth Avenue, Box 359766
Seattle, Washington 98104
Phone- 206-521-1848
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/wang.html
"Dr. Wang?s clinical practice focuses primarily on general adult
neurosurgery with special interest in trauma, critical care, and gamma
knife radiosurgery. Her other interests include spine and tumor
surgery."
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER MAIN CAMPUS
====================================================
http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/NeuroSurgery/index.htm
Providers ((Many of the same doctors profiled above also are listed here)
http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/NeuroSurgery/Providers/index.htm
RICHARD ELLENBOGEN, M.D.
------------------------
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific
Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-598-3300
"Dr. Ellenbogen?s clinical practice focuses on Pediatric and Adult
Brain Tumors, Craniofacial Anomalies, Chiari Malformations, Trauma,
Minimally Invasive Surgery and Spine Surgery."
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/ellenbogen.html
ROBERT GOODKIN, M.D. (a possibility)
--------------------
University of Washington Medical Center
Department of Neurological Surgery
1959 NE Pacific, Box 356470
Seattle, Washington 98195
Phone- 206-598-3300
"Dr. Goodkin's clinical practice focuses primarily on spine and spinal
cord disorders, surgery for movement disorders as well as
neuro-oncology and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery."
http://depts.washington.edu/neurosur/faculty/goodkin.html
==
NEUROSURGERY NORTHWEST (locations in Seattle, Tacoma and Puyallup)
========================
http://www.neurosurgerynorthwest.com/
DANIEL G. NEHLS, M.D.
---------------------
"In 1993, Dr. Nehls founded his practice in Washington State. Since
then, his exceptional surgical ability and clinical judgment, and his
caring approach to patients and families have established Dr. Nehls as
one of the premier neurosurgeons in the region. Dr. Nehls enjoys an
outstanding reputation among patients and fellow physicians alike. His
professional interests range from brain tumors to complex vascular
lesions to spinal disorders to brain and spinal trauma."
"Dr. Nehls has extensive experience, and a special expertise, in the
treatment of disorders of the spine; including disc herniations, neck
and back pain, spinal stenosis, Chiari malformation, spinal
instability and **** spinal tumors ******."
Read further...
http://www.neurosurgerynorthwest.com/drnehls.html
Curriculum Vitae
http://www.neurosurgerynorthwest.com/curriculum.html
The main number to call is the Tacoma office number but you may
schedule a visit at the Federal Way location one day a week.
(253) 572-5115
Suite 112 - 1708 South Yakima
Tacoma, WA 98405
(Please note that doctor Nehls is the only neurosurgeon on staff at
this time, even though the website says otherwise!)
About Spinal Tumor Surgery at Neurosurgery Northwest
-----------------------------------------------------
"The physicians and staff at Neurosurgery Northwest have extensive
experience in the treatment of all forms of tumors affecting the
brain, spine and spinal cord. They provide treatment at the cutting
edge of current therapy. Our surgeons and staff are there, every step
of the way, to help our patients through their surgery, postoperative
recovery and any subsequent therapy."
"Recent innovations, such as intraoperative computer guidance allow
the surgeons of Neurosurgery Northwest to treat tumors with an
accuracy that was previously considered unobtainable. This allows our
surgeons to precisely locate the tumor, choose the safest and least
invasive approach, define, isolate and remove the tumor. We are highly
skilled in the use of this technology and are very proficient with the
systems available in each of the hospitals."
"Neurosurgery Northwest pioneered the use of Gliadel wafers in the
South Sound, a technique which allows our surgeons to implant medicine
directly into the tumor bed after removal of the tumor. As the wafer
dissolves, it delivers chemotherapy to any remaining tumor, without
the side effects of systemic chemotherapy. It has been shown to be
highly effective in fighting tumors, and can be used in combination
with conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In recognition
of our experience, Neurosurgery Northwest has been invited to join a
National Trial of this technique. We are now participating in that
study."
Hospitals - "Neurosurgery Northwest's surgeons maintain active
hospital privileges, and routinely perform surgery at Good Samaritan
Hospital, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Tacoma General Hospital,
and St. Joseph Hospital. They hold courtesy appointments at Allenmore
Hospital, St. Clare Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital, but do not
currently admit patients or perform surgery at these facilities."
http://www.neurosurgerynorthwest.com/surgery.html
====
NORTHWEST NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY (located at the Swedish Hospital campus)
===============================
http://www.nwneurosurgery.com/index.htm
* The following referrals were confirmed by a consultant at Swedish Hospital.
JACOB N. YOUNG, M.D.
---------------------
Northwest Neurological Surgery
801 Broadway - Suite 617
Seattle Washington 98122
Tel: 206-623-0922
http://www.nwneurosurgery.com/physicia.htm
Hospital Affiliations
Swedish Medical Center
Providence Medical Center
Overlake Hospital, Bellevue
http://www.spineuniverse.com/mdpage.php?doctorID=622
Clinical Interests/Special Procedures Performed:
Carpal Tunnel/Peripheral Nerve, Pain Management, Spine, Spine Surgery,
** Tumors (Spine and Cranial)
http://www.swedish.org/body.cfm?id=6&action=detail&ref=805&HC1=Neurosurgery%2FSpine&HC2=%2D%20blank%20%2D&HC3=%2D%20blank%20%2D
JAMES RAISIS, M.D.
------------------
Northwest Neurological Surgery
801 Broadway Suite 617
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 623-0922
Clinical Interests/Special Procedures Performed:
Brain Tumor/AVM Embolization, Cervical Injury/Problems, Laser Surgery,
Neck Disorders, Spinal Disorders, Spine Trauma & Disease
http://www.swedish.org/body.cfm?id=6&action=detail&ref=807&HC1=Neurosurgery%2FSpine&HC2=%2D%20blank%20%2D&HC3=%2D%20blank%20%2D
TIMOTHY D. STEEGE, M.D.
------------------------
Northwest Neurological Surgery
801 Broadway Suite 617
Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 623-0922
Clinical Interests/Special Procedures Performed:
Brain Surgery Rehabilitation, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Peripheral Nerve
Surgery, Spine Surgery
http://www.swedish.org/body.cfm?id=6&action=detail&ref=806&HC1=Neurosurgery%2FSpine&HC2=%2D%20blank%20%2D&HC3=%2D%20blank%20%2D
One other possibility from the Northwest Website:
JAMES BLUE, M.D.
------------------
Northwest Neurological Surgery
801 Broadway, Suite 617
Seattle Washington 98122
Neurosurgeon
Tel: 206-623-0922
http://www.nwneurosurgery.com/physicia.htm
Hospital Affiliations
Swedish Medical Center
Providence Medical Center
Northwest Hospital
Specialties: Degenerative Spine, Tumor-Infection
http://www.spineuniverse.com/mdpage.php?doctorID=449
VIRGINIA MASON MEDICAL CENTER - NEUROSURGERY CLINIC
====================================================
Virginia Mason Main Clinic
1100 Ninth Ave.
Seattle, WA, 98101
(I spoke with a referral coordinator who confirmed that the following
specialists do surgical removal of spinal tumors)
CHARLES E. NUSSBAUM, MD
-----------------------
(206) 223-7525
http://www.virginiamason.org/dbPhysicians/Physician693.asp
JOHN N. K. HSIANG, M.D.
------------------------
(206) 223-7525
http://www.virginiamason.org/dbPhysicians/Physician1107.asp
PETER C. NORA, M.D.
-------------------
(206) 223-7525
http://www.virginiamason.org/dbPhysicians/Physician1108.asp
NORTHWEST HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
======================================
Stephen Houston, M.D. (a possibility)
--------------------------------------
Northwest Hospital and Medical Center
Primary Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Group Affiliation: Neurosurgical Consultants WA
Address: 1560 N 115th Street Suite 209
City/State/Zip: Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 368-1701
"Dr. Stephen Houston earned his medical degree from U.C.L.A. He
completed both his residency in neurosurgery and a spine surgery
fellowship at Emory University. Dr. Houston practices general
neurosurgery with a particular interest in minimally invasive spinal
surgery and complex spinal reconstructive surgery."
http://www.nwhospital.org/physicians/md_detail.asp?mdid=5826
===
(A bit out of the way and not a neurosurgeon but worth considering)
MARK REMINGTON, M.D. (An Orthopedic spine surgeon)
=========================
Mark Remington, M.D., Ph.D.
Valley Orthopedic Associates
4011 Talbot Road South, Suite 300
Renton, Washington 98055
425-656-5060
http://www.spine-health.com/doctor/MarkRemington/
* Areas of Specialization (includes tumors)
********************
PHYSICIAN REPORTS
********************
In my research concerning the names of individual surgeons, I did not
run across any negative comments. The following two databases should
provide you with up-to-date information concerning any disciplinary
actions that have occurred. Since both databases contain most all of
the physicians, you might want to take a look at a sample report and
see which you prefer.
HEALTH GRADES
==============
Provides access to Board Certification, Disciplinary Action, Education
and Training, etc.
http://www.healthgrades.com/consumer/index.cfm?fuseaction=homepage&tv_eng=Google&tv_kw=SurgMS#9
Reports on all the physicians listed above may be found on this site *
EXCEPT Dr. Stephen Houston. If you want to look him up, you must go to
Choice Trust)
(* Dr. Andrew Dailey may be found by clicking on the ** state of Utah
** since he recently moved from there)
The first report is available for $7.95, with additional reports for
$2.95, so you should be able to find quality information on all of the
physicians above for a reasonable fee. Reports are available
immediately after checkout via a website link. You may re-access your
report for up to ten days. (I recommend that you print them!)
View a sample report
http://www.healthgrades.com/consumer/index.cfm?fuseaction=modnw&modtype=content&modact=SHOP_Physician_Report_Example
CHOICE TRUST
=============
The best way to access physician information on this site is to buy a
"day pass" for $19.95. Otherwise, individual reports are $9.95.
All physicians I referenced are available on this site, listed under
the state of Washington, except for Dr. Remington. (If you want to
look up Dr. Remington, you must access a report at Health Grades)
http://www.choicetrust.com/servlet/com.kx.cs.servlets.CsServlet?channel=health&product=doctor&subproduct=search&anchor=
*********************************************
CHOOSING A SPINE SURGEON AND SPINAL SURGERY
*********************************************
From Spine Health
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/spec/spec03.html#1
"Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons perform the overwhelming majority of
spine surgery and frequently extend their general Orthopedic or
Neurosurgical training by participating in a spine fellowship. These
spine fellowships accept a select group of physicians who have
completed four to seven years of a surgical residency and are either
board certified or board eligible in their respective specialties and
provide additional training in performing spine surgery."
"Orthopedic Surgeon (M.D. or D.O.) - Orthopedic surgeons are either
Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathy who have completed a
five-year residency focused on the surgical treatment of
musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are trained in the
diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders, arthritis, sports
injuries, trauma, and fractures."
"Neurosurgeon (M.D. or D.O.) - Neurosurgeons are Medical Doctors or
Doctors of Osteopathy who complete a five or six-year residency that
focuses on the surgical treatment of patients with neurological
conditions. Neurosurgeons are trained in the diagnosis and treatment
of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, intracranial
and intraspinal vasculature."
"Both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons complete training to do
most types of spine surgery. There are only a few instances in which
one specialty tends to be better trained for specific conditions: e.g.
orthopedic surgeons do spine deformity surgery (e.g. scoliosis) and
neurosurgeons do surgery for intradural (inside the thecal sac)
tumors."
"In recent years, spine surgery has become increasingly specialized
within the orthopedic and neurosurgical professions, and often a
surgeon will focus a majority of his or her practice on spinal
surgery. It is thought that the increasing level of specialization and
focus on the spine has contributed to enhancements in surgical
technique, which in turn has led to overall improved success rates and
reduced morbidity (e.g. reduced post-operative discomfort, faster
healing time)."
HOW TO SELECT A SPINE SURGEON
------------------------------
From Spine Health
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/surg/how/how01.html
"Patients often ask what kind of surgeon should do their spine
surgery: a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon? While each specialty
has a different focus in training, both are equally qualified to do
the majority of spine surgery (there are some exceptions to this rule:
for example, a neurosurgeon is generally better suited for tumor
surgery and an orthopedic surgeon for deformity). Neurosurgeons and
orthopedic surgeons frequently work together on a case and even in the
operating room."
"In addition to the usual surgical residency requirements, both
neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery specialties offer fellowship
programs in spine that include an additional year of training specific
to spine surgery. At the very least, your surgeon should be board
certified or board eligible in orthopedic or neurological surgery."
"Another very important factor is the amount of the surgeon?s practice
devoted to spine surgery. A physician who focuses on spinal surgery is
going to be far more adept and current in newer surgical techniques
then one who performs spine surgery only occasionally. For example,
the North American Spine Society requires that at least 50% of a
physician?s practice be devoted to spine treatment as inclusion
criteria for the society, which is probably a pretty good benchmark."
ABOUT SPINAL CORD TUMORS
==========================
From Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery
http://www.cinn.org/isc/spinalcordtumors.html
"Spinal cord tumors are tumors that arise from the tissues of the
spinal cord. The term spine tumor refers to tumors that arise from the
coverings of the spine including the vertebral bones. Spinal cord
tumors are relatively rare, as are most spine tumors other than
metastatic tumors. Spinal metastases occur in upwards of 10 percent of
patients with cancer."
"The most common spinal cord tumors (or intramedullary tumors) are
ependymomas, astrocytomas and hemangioblastomas. The next group of
spine tumors is known as intradural-extramedullary tumors. These
tumors are located within the covering of the spinal cord (the dura)
but outside the substance of the spinal cord itself. The most common
intradural-extramedullary tumors are meningiomas and neurofibromas."
"In most cases of intramedullary, intradural-extramedullary and
metastatic tumors more aggressive intervention will be indicated. In
general, the intramedullary and intradural-extramedullary tumors are
treated with surgical resection."
==
Also read "Spinal Tumors," by Howard S. An, M.D. Spineuniverse.com
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article267.html
====
I hope this information proves helpful. If you need further
clarification, please don't hesitate to ask and I will try to help in
any way that I can.
Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck and a successful operation.
Good health to you!
umiat
Google Search Strategy
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