I debated which section to place this posting, but thought more would see it here. I'll also post in the Radiation section.
Best to all
Raydean
July 28, 2006 12:46 PM US Eastern Timezone
House Clinic Now Offers Less Invasive Treatment for Acoustic Neuromas; Gamma Knife(R) Technology at Good Samaritan Hospital Provides Patients Alternative to Surgery
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2006--The House Clinic, renowned leader for its expertise in hearing care, now offers patients an alternative treatment for acoustic neuromas with the use of the Gamma Knife(R) at Good Samaritan Hospital. The House Clinic, with locations in Los Angeles, Encino, Huntington Beach, Orange County, and Santa Monica, has been advancing hearing treatments since 1946.
Acoustic neuroma (or vestibular schwannoma) is one of the most common types of brain tumors. It is a benign, non-cancerous, often slow-growing tumor on the vestibular nerve that runs alongside the auditory and facial nerves connecting the ear to the brain. Acoustic neuromas account for six percent of all primary intracranial tumors, and if not removed, can cause hearing loss, balance or facial nerve problems, and even death.
Though several forms of treatment for acoustic neuromas are available, the primary form of treatment is surgery. Depending on the size of the tumor, about half of all acoustic neuromas are presently treated by surgically removing the tumor preventing complications from tumor growth. Surgery may enable preservation of hearing but the process may result in a longer recovery time. About 95 percent of patients with small and medium tumors will have no permanent facial paralysis following surgery; however, roughly a third of patients with large tumors will have some permanent facial weakness following surgery.
The Gamma Knife(R) is an alternative treatment for selected acoustic neuromas with minimal short and long-term risks. The Gamma Knife(R) is a 20-ton medical instrument that emits 201 focused beams of gamma radiation into the direct location of the tumor with pin point precision and minimum effect on the surrounding healthy tissues. There are no incisions, little or no pain, and a low risk of complications.
"By adding the Gamma Knife(R) to our broad range of treatment options, our patients will now benefit from a comprehensive approach to their care," said Derald E. Brackmann, M.D., president of the House Clinic. "Good Samaritan Hospital has a long tradition of care in Los Angeles and we at the House Clinic are very excited to be a part of that tradition."
According to Marc Schwartz, M.D., a neurosurgeon with the House Clinic, "The Gamma Knife(R) capability at Good Samaritan Hospital is an option that allows patients to be treated without surgery. Recovery times with this procedure are much shorter." Dr. Schwartz has been using Gamma Knife(R) in the treatment of acoustic neuromas and other problems for approximately four years.
Good Samaritan Hospital is one of a few facilities on the West Coast with an updated Gamma Knife(R) Stereotactic Model C unit. The new unit uses the latest technology to administer gamma radiation to treat benign and malignant tumors and other functional brain disorders. To date, Good Samaritan Hospital's Gamma Knife(R) program has treated over 2,200 patients.
About the House Clinic and the House Ear Institute
House Clinic and House Ear Institute are affiliated with the University of Southern California School of Medicine and provide instructions in otology and neurotology to the otolaryngology residents at the USC/LAC Medical Center. House Clinic physicians also volunteer their time teaching specialty courses in the House Ear Institute's education program and around the world. To date, over 22,000 doctors have received professional training in the House Ear Institute facilities.
About Good Samaritan Hospital
First opened in 1885, Good Samaritan Hospital is a 408-bed tertiary care facility offering some of the most comprehensive care in Los Angeles. Good Samaritan Hospital offers Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Neurosciences program featuring the Gamma Knife(R) radiosurgery, Opthalmologic Program including Retinal Surgery, Orthopedic Surgical Program including Sports Medicine, Oncology Program using the latest in radiation therapy -- IMRT and HDR, Women's Services, Kidney Stone services, Samaritan Imaging Center, Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Center, and Emergency Services. Good Samaritan Hospital is affiliated with the USC Keck School of Medicine and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For more information visit
www.goodsam.org.
Contacts
Good Samaritan Hospital
Katrina R. Bada, 213-977-2911
