Departments

During a woman’s lifetime, she might face a reproductive problem that requires evaluation and possible surgery. Some gynecologic conditions that may require surgery are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, intrauterine scarring, damaged fallopian tubes, pelvic pain or abnormal development of the reproductive tract. Minimally invasive and robotic surgery have transformed the field of surgery, radically reducing trauma and recovery. In this approach, small skin incisions (less than an inch in size) and specialized tools are used. Our program utilizes the following methods for women’s reproductive conditions requiring surgery: Hysteroscopy. A small, narrow telescope (a hysteroscope) allows for visualization of the inside of the uterine cavity without incisions. This is often performed when evaluating abnormal uterine bleeding. Laparoscopy. A small telescope inserted through small abdominal skin incisions is used to evaluate the pelvic anatomy (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.). The laparoscope (camera) sends live pictures to a video monitor, which allows the surgeon to see the anatomy and perform complex surgeries with minimal trauma to the patient. Robotics. Robotic surgery was approved for gynecological conditions in 2005 and has since opened up the option of minimally invasive surgery for women who otherwise would not have been eligible for vaginal surgery or traditional laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons are trained in using the daVinci Robot for select laparoscopic surgeries. “Open“ surgery, or surgery performed through traditional large incisions (similar to a cesarean section), is associated with longer hospitalizations, increased pain, increased surgical risk, and longer postoperative recovery times. With a surgery performed using a minimally invasive approach, patients are often able to go home on the day of surgery or the next morning with less postoperative pain.

Millions of people suffer from the broad range of diseases that can affect the spine. Debilitating pain and impaired function often keep people from working and enjoying normal lives. While spinal conditions and injuries, particularly neck and back pain, are quite common, they can be among the most complex and difficult ailments to treat. This is especially true with patients who have had little improvement with prior spinal surgery or failed medical treatments for such diseases as scoliosis or degenerative disk disease. Our experienced team of highly-skilled neurosurgeons and staff work together to provide the best care possible. Whether the pain is acute or chronic, we are committed to understanding the problem and will work with each patient to determine the best way to treat it. Patients travel from across the Northeast to have our experts treat problems, including spinal cord and nerve compression, spinal deformities, spinal tumors, neck and back pain, and sciatica. Our focus is on helping patients overcome their disability, rather than performing surgery or providing physical therapy. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services for patients whose conditions have not been definitively identified, as well as for those who had unsuccessful treatments, including previous surgeries. Because we are a major referral center for neurosurgical problems of all types and levels of complexity, our patients benefit from our collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that enhances opportunities for advancing care. Our services include: Minimally invasive surgery:Advanced, one-day surgical procedures, including vertebroplasty and disk electrocauterization, are available for appropriate candidates. Vertebroplasty relieves pain among some osteoporosis sufferers with collapsed vertebrae. Surgical bone cement is injected into the affected areas bolstering bone growth. Disk electrocauterization involves the use of a needle to shrink disks by burning them. Complex surgery:Our Spine Center specializes in this type of surgery, which is reserved for cases in which all other treatment options have been considered. Our surgeons can perform spinal reconstructions for severely deteriorated spines or repair damage from trauma or prior surgeries. Cutting-edge techniques, such as discography, make it possible to track electrical activity within the spine with exceptional precision to localize the site of injuries. Support services:Yale New Haven Hospital is a Level I trauma center, fully equipped to handle complex spinal cord injuries. Spine patients who undergo surgery benefit from specially equipped surgical suites. They will recover in the hospital’s Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the only specialized unit of its kind in the region, staffed with experienced neurocritical care nurses. Our team continuously challenges current practice to ensure our programs reflect the most advanced treatment options delivered in a way that enhances the health and comfort o

The Yale Pediatric Spine program treats children with spinal conditions using the highest level of expertise and care. Because we understand that navigating the treatment options for a child’s spinal condition can be a difficult experience, we focus on bringing our providers together as a team dedicated to delivering cohesive, expert care. The spine team includes anesthesiologists, nurses, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, child life specialists, and fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons who are experienced in treating the most complex spinal conditions using up-to-date and evidence-based techniques to provide outcomes of the highest quality and value. Our providers tailor spinal deformity treatments to each patient according to their needs. We offer several treatment options, including physical therapy, bracing, growth-friendly solutions for early onset scoliosis, halo gravity traction for complex deformities, and newer fusionless techniques for appropriately selected patients. Nonoperative strategies are almost always utilized as initial treatment, but if surgical care becomes necessary, our team and program provide the technical expertise and rapid surgical recovery pathways to ensure the smoothest recovery possible.

Spine radiosurgery is a noninvasive, painless technique that precisely targets high doses of radiation at tumors within or near the spine.Our goal is to provide long-lasting control of pain and local disease for patients with spinal metastases. Our team consists of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists who work together to determine and deliver the optimal treatment plan for each patient.

At the Spine Center, we care for adults experiencing neck and back pain. Our team of specialists are experts in the fields of neurosurgery, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, behavioral health, and physical therapy. Working together our specialists create a treatment plan tailored to fit your specific needs. Your treatment begins with a detailed evaluation to fully understand your condition. We develop a personalized care plan that may include a combination of non-surgical treatments, pain management techniques, and surgical interventions when necessary. Our integrated care model ensures that you have access to a variety of spine health experts in one central location, streamlining your care and enhancing the quality of the services we provide. Non-Surgical Care Physical medicine and rehabilitation Pain Management using the safest and most effective methods for your condition. Behavioral Health therapists focus on improving your ability to manage and cope with chronic pain. Spine physical therapy for advanced conditions that require specialized therapy. Surgical Care Minimally invasive spinal surgery Spinal fusions Spinal decompressions Surgical intervention for spinal tumors Treatment of vertebral fractures

At Yale Medicine, our thoracic surgery team specializes in treating a wide range of chest-related conditions, from lung and esophageal cancers to other thoracic issues that may not involve cancer. Our highly skilled surgeons understand the importance of a gentle, compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring a supportive experience for those who may be facing challenging diagnoses. Trained in the most advanced surgical techniques, our team uses minimally invasive surgery whenever possible instead of traditional surgery, which typically requires larger incisions. This approach is designed to minimize your discomfort and help you to heal faster. Through the use of less invasive techniques, you can look forward to a quicker recovery, with less time spent in the hospital and better results after surgery. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Benign esophageal disorders (paraesophageal hernia, reflux disease, narrowing, achalasia) Chest wall tumors Esophageal cancer Lung cancer Mediastinal cancers, located in the area between the lungs

Yale’s Department of Surgery is a premier center for adult and pediatric surgical treatment, providing comprehensive care for a full range of conditions and diseases. To ensure that our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort, we employ the latest technologies and surgical techniques, and perform minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Our renowned surgeons and faculty continue to push the frontiers of surgical science through innovative treatment and leading-edge research, with the ability to offer treatment options that can be difficult to find elsewhere. More state-of-the-art surgical suites at Yale New Haven Hospital than in any other hospital in the region Collaboration with the Yale Department of Biomedical Engineering and with industry to develop 3-D bioprinting for the regeneration, repair, and replacement of human tissue and vessels Nationally recognized Center of Excellence and designated training center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Yale’s Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research group in which surgeons work with endocrine geneticists to decipher the molecular genetics of endocrine tumor disease First program in Connecticut to offer three different minimally invasive bariatric surgical techniques: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-Band® surgery, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

At Yale Medicine, our Bariatric and minimally invasive surgery team specializes in surgical care for conditions affecting the digestive tract. Expert surgeons use the latest minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce scarring and minimize discomfort after surgery, providing a smoother and more rapid recovery. We recognize that it’s natural to experience various emotions and concerns before undergoing surgery. That's why our approach focuses on patient education and comprehensive care—we are here to provide clear, detailed answers to all your questions before, during, and after your procedure. About Us Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal wall reconstruction to treat complex hernias or trauma to the abdomen Laparoscopic surgery to treat severe (Class III) obesity Weight-loss surgery options: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in which a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. LAP-Band® surgery, in which a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food that’s consumed by making the patient feel full after eating small amounts. Sleeve gastrectomy, which involves removing about 85% of the stomach. The smaller-sized stomach holds less food, creating a feeling of fullness with significantly less food. All weight-loss surgery options include education and support from nursing, nutrition, and psychological service providers.

With the latest microsurgical and endovascular technologies, we offer unparalleled treatment to patients with all types of neurovascular disease affecting blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. This includes aneurysms, vascular malformations, and artery and venous stenosis, or blockages. Our cutting-edge research also allows for more refined, personalized medicine. Our expert clinicians specialize in managing all types of brain, neck, and spinal cord vascular disorders. Our therapeutic treatment strategies include: Open microsurgery Less invasive endovascular (interventional) treatment Stereotactic radiation (Gamma Knife radiosurgery) Rehabilitation

From consultations with parents-to-be, to follow-up appointments with young adult patients, our pediatric neurosurgery specialists offer the most advanced medical care available, along with compassionate understanding and support for patients with pediatric neurosurgical conditions. Our reputation for surgical excellence combined with our understanding of the special needs of children and families who live with neurological diseases rank us among the finest Pediatric Neurosurgery sections in the country. In addition, the Yale New Haven Children's Hospital is the only hospital in the state to have a dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), providing the highest level of care to children with neurological conditions. We provide comprehensive services to infants, toddlers, school-age children, adolescents, and young adults for common problems including: Hydrocephalus Brain and spinal cord tumors Spina bifida Craniofacial disorders (i.e., craniosynostosis) Brain or spine trauma Our pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with each other, as well as with an interdisciplinary team that includes orthopaedists, urologists, neurologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, adult neurosurgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Our full-time pediatric advanced practice nurse participates in all aspects of the child’s care and carefully coordinates evaluation and treatment appointments to make the process as convenient and timely as possible. Our operating facilities are designed for children, and our nursing units are arranged by age. Often, a family’s first contact with us takes place when they learn their unborn baby has a congenital abnormality of the central nervous system such as hydrocephalus or spina bifida. We provide counseling for these parents to help them understand how these conditions might affect the lives of children and their family members. Yale pediatric neurosurgeons were pioneers in the use of endoscopes (tiny fiber optic cameras) to treat hydrocephalus surgically, making it possible to bypass the obstruction and restore normal fluid flow. The procedure, called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, is a safe and effective treatment option. Our pediatric neurosurgeons also team with plastic surgeons to treat craniosynostosis, which affects the shape of the head. We re-contour the bones of the skull and re-secure them in such a way that symmetrical growth can occur. For brain tumors, we offer such specialized treatments as stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife surgery). We also offer electrocorticography and cortical mapping. These are techniques to identify areas of the brain that are critical to movement, feeling, memory, and speech so surgeons can remove as much of the tumor as possible without disturbing critical areas of the brain.

At Yale Medicine Neurosurgery, we care for adults and children with neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. These types of conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves which send messages from brain to the rest of your body. Our team is comprised of highly trained surgeons, researchers, and clinicians who are all focused on delivering expert care for conditions related to the brain and spine. Each neurosurgeon on our team has extensive training in their respective areas of neurosurgery. Conditions we treat include: All types of primary brain tumors, including gliomas, glioblastomas, and meningiomas Brain and spine trauma Cerebrospinal fluid disorders (such as normal pressure hydrocephalus) Epilepsy Metastatic brain, spine, and spinal cord tumors Movement disorders (including Parkinson's disease and tremors) Neurovascular disease (aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and carotid artery stenosis) Pain disorders (such as trigeminal neuralgia) Pediatric and congenital disorders (including hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, spina bifida, and congenital spine deformities Peripheral nerve syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) Pituitary tumors (adenomas) Spasticity (including multiple sclerosis) Spinal disorders (such as herniated disks, stenosis, and scoliosis)

Our neurosurgeons provide excellence in general neurosurgery care. While some conditions require a subspecialized neurosurgeon, others actually benefit from a more general approach to managing disease. As a result, patients can receive care closer to home and in a community setting. A dedicated neurovascular surgeon is on call and ready to mobilize a team at a moment’s notice—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to providing emergency treatments for conditions such as acute stroke and brain bleeds, we are readily available for elective treatments for aneurysms and other vascular lesions that are discovered incidentally. We streamline access to emergency neurovascular care for referring physicians, guaranteeing patients will receive the timeliest and best care anywhere. Our state-of-the-art VISIUS Surgical Theater is equipped with a powerful MRI that provides highly detailed images, and an integrated, bi-plane X-ray angiography system that allows our experts to better visualize arteries and vessels. The ability for a patient to receive preoperative diagnostic imaging, open microsurgery, percutaneous, catheter-based endovascular treatments, and post-operative checks all in the same room, while remaining in one place, is unique in the tri-state area and a model system in North America and the world. This advanced technology makes it possible to tackle the most complex neurovascular conditions with the highest degree of safety.