Weill Medical College of Cornell University

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Welcome from the Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery

Welcome to the Weill Cornell Department of Neurological Surgery, a world-class provider of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of the full spectrum of neurological disease. We provide state-of-the-art care for patients with diseases of the brain and spine in both adults and children. The department leads in the utilization of high-tech computerized diagnostic and treatment tools, from the Gamma Knife and stereotactic radiosurgery, to the use of 3-dimensional visualization in the operating room. What was once a world of highly intrusive surgery has evolved into a high-tech environment of small incisions, tiny catheters and minimally invasive endoscopes. The department also serves as a premier training center for neurosurgeons of the future and has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in research.

To ensure that every patient receives the compassion and dignity they deserve, we believe in a team approach involving neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, patient care coordinators and social workers, to create the most successful outcome. Our overall goals include providing a cure whenever possible, minimizing pain, shortening hospital stays, and creating extraordinary breakthroughs in research that truly offer hope in treating the most challenging neurological diseases of our time.

Philip E. Stieg, Ph.D., M.D.
Professor & Chairman,
Weill Cornell Department of Neurological Surgery
Neurosurgeon-in-Chief,
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

About Us

The Department of Neurological Surgery serves as one of the country's premier providers in minimally invasive surgery for the brain and spine in adults and children. Leaders in high-tech computerized diagnostic and treatment tools, the department receives patients from around the world, treating the full spectrum of neurological disease, from brain and spine tumors, stroke, aneurysms, and epilepsy, to Parkinson's and other movement disorders. At the forefront of emerging technology, facilities offer the Gamma Knife, stereotactic radiosurgery, frameless stereotaxy, endoscopic surgery, and 3-dimensional visualization in the operating room. Many of our patient cases have been covered in the news documenting the success of minimal access surgery; recent examples include spinal surgery to prevent paralysis and giant-sized brain tumors removed through the nasal cavity.

Our neurosurgeons actively pursue new frontiers in research. Advancements include the first gene therapy treatment for Parkinson's; the successful isolation of "human stem cells" from the human brain, both normal and brain tumor-derived; computer mapping of the brain to cure Epilepsy surgically; a cure for eye cancer using tiny catheters; and a cutting edge approach in pediatric brain surgery to treat hydrocephalus (water on the brain) that eliminates the need for shunts sparing children from unnecessary infections. Clinical trials are underway for stroke, aneurysms, spinal fusion, and resistant brain tumors. On the horizon: deep brain stimulation for depression and a biological alternative to mechanical spinal disk replacement.

As educators, our staff teaches medical students, residents, and fellows, nationally and abroad. They also design and present specialized training courses in skull base surgery, endonasal surgery, cutting edge pediatric surgery, and minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery.

Great new vistas exist for the treatment of neurological diseases of the brain and spine. The Department of Neurological Surgery is a world leader in the implementation of these new treatment paradigms.