Yale Pediatric Neurosurgery Program

Charles C. Duncan, M.D., M.A.

Mission

The mission of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Yale is to provide research, education and clinical care based upon the adaptive mechanisms of the developing nervous system which occur or may be therapeutically induced in molecular, cellular, model, and clinical settings.

Clinical Programs

Yale has had dedicated pediatric neurosurgery for over 25 years. The clinical services of pediatric neurosurgery reach the breadth of neurosurgical care for infants, toddlers, school aged children, adolescents and young adults. These areas are described below by age and problem groups.

Consultations carried out for families with pregnancies in which central nervous system congenital anomalies have been found such as hydrocephalus, spinal bifida, holoprosencephaly, Dandy Walker cysts, and tumor. Newborn and continuing pediatric neurosurgical care is available for individuals with these problems. Interest and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of congenital central nervous system disorders extends through all pediatric age ranges into young adults. Older adults with congenital disorders may be seen by special arrangement.

Our group has developed endoscopic approaches for the removal of large intraventricular hemorrhages in the premature infant and have been successful in these and other circumstances in the avoidance of shunts for hydrocephalus with endoscopic, intraventricular procedures.

Craniosynostosis and other craniofacial anomalies are managed through a joint program with plastic surgery in order to provide the essential multidisciplinary input necessary for successful outcome in such matters. Additionally, genetic, developmental, and dental input is available where needed.

Tumor in the young of the nervous system are a particular interest to the Pediatric Neurosurgery Program. We are member of the Pediatric Oncology Group and the Cancer Center. A multidisciplinary Tumor Board which includes pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric oncology, pediatric surgery, radiation therapy, and pathology reviews and makes recommendations for all neuro-oncology patients. Thus, the most current means of evaluation and treatment are available to patients with these problems. Specialized treatment modalities such as stereotactic radiosurgery, by Dr. DeLotbiniere, electrocorticography and cortical mapping, by Dr. Spencer inconjunction with Dr. Duncan, are available where indicated.

Central nervous system vascular anomalies are evaluated and treated with input from the neurovascular service. State of the art interventional neuroradiology is an integral part of this multidisciplinary approach.

Nervous system and spine trauma care is available though the Emergency Department of the Pediatric Hospital and the resources of our Level 1 Trauma Center. Yale Neurosurgery has been a Spinal Cord Injury Center for over 20 years.

Infants, children and adolescents for evaluation and treatment by the Epilepsy Surgery Program are jointly managed by pediatric neurosurgery and Dr. Dennis Spencer, Director of the Epilepsy Surgery Program Excellence in pediatric neurosurgery is possible from the critical resources of a major children's hospital with dedicated pediatric critical care, specialized age appropriate nursing units, a wide array of pediatric consultants, operating facilities designed for children, and the commitment and experience on the part of ourselves and our colleagues to provide the most effective and efficient care possible for all pediatric neurosurgery patients.

Research Program

Dr. Duncan's research interest is in the prevention of injury to developing brain and adaptive mechanisms of developing brain. This research dates to the late 1970's with multiple funded grants as noted below and scientific publications at noted in the bibliography. This work involves collaboration with Dr. Laura Ment, Pediatric Neurology, Dr. Jon Morrow, Pathology, Dr. Joseph Madri, Pathology, Dr. Michael Schwartz, Neurobiology, Dr. William Stewart, Anatomy, Dr. Gabriel Haddad Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Dr. Rusty Novotny, Pediatric Neurology, and Dr. Richard Ehrenkranz, Pediatrics at Yale. Additional collaborations outside of the institution include many invaluable colleagues which have permitted multicenter randomized trials as well as ongoing projects.


The Pediatric Neurosurgery Program can be reached at 203-785-2809
or email to charles.duncan@yale.edu


Neurosurgery Faculty/Program Menu

Department of Neurosurgery address and phone number


http://info.yale.med.edu/neurosurgery/episurg.html
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