Archive for surgery
This two-handed robot goes deep into the brain
Robots have become common partners in the OR, enabling surgeons to operate through small incisions and manipulate tools endoscopically, avoiding invasive open surgery. But in neurosurgery, robots’ capabilities have been more limited. While they can assist with relatively simple procedures like inserting an electrode, more invasive and complex operations like removing a tumor still require ... Read More about This two-handed robot goes deep into the brain
Calm through the storm: Connor’s ulcerative colitis journey
When you meet Connor today, he’s a confident 13-year-old who is incredibly laid back when he speaks about his complex medical condition. This school year, he plans on playing basketball and running track. “I like hanging out with my friends and traveling — now I can do all these things without being in pain.” However, ... Read More about Calm through the storm: Connor’s ulcerative colitis journey
Does cannabis affect surgical outcomes? We need more data.
After alcohol, marijuana is the most commonly used recreational substance among U.S. adults and adolescents. Up to 22 million Americans 12 or older use cannabis. In a 2022 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 0.7 percent of 8th graders, 2.1 percent of 10th graders, and 6.3 percent of 12th graders reported using marijuana ... Read More about Does cannabis affect surgical outcomes? We need more data.
Uncertainty surrounds ACL treatment decisions in young athletes. It shouldn’t.
It’s an injury once seen mainly in adults, yet it’s become increasingly common in younger patients. From 2000 to 2020, the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in children and adolescents increased between three- and five-fold. For young athletes, an ACL tear spells six to nine months of downtime, heightened risk for secondary ACL ... Read More about Uncertainty surrounds ACL treatment decisions in young athletes. It shouldn’t.
‘Another level of care’: Second opinion solves Joey’s rare urologic condition
When Max and Shana arrived at Boston Children’s Hospital last year with their young son, Joey, their care team “made us feel a lot less special,” says Max. “And that was a great thing.” Joey was born with megacystic-megaureter syndrome, a urinary tract anomaly that is caused by high-grade vesicoureteral reflux, or the backward flow ... Read More about ‘Another level of care’: Second opinion solves Joey’s rare urologic condition
Family first: Nolan and Uncle Jon’s living donor kidney transplant
Nolan and his uncle Jon are both tall and blonde, but they now have something more in common: The two have an unbreakable bond, thanks to a selfless —and lucky — gift that changed Nolan’s life forever. The first year after Nolan was born, his primary care physician ran some blood work to try to ... Read More about Family first: Nolan and Uncle Jon’s living donor kidney transplant
One day on the field, admitted to the ICU the next: Rob’s liver transplant journey
When you’re a teen, it’s not very common to worry about what’s going on inside your body — especially not about potential organ failure. For Rob, now 14 years old, that happened in the blink of an eye. One day, he was scoring goals in soccer and hanging out with his friends. But in just ... Read More about One day on the field, admitted to the ICU the next: Rob’s liver transplant journey
Lifechanging surgery brings Ann-Raleigh relief from VUR — and some new ‘besties’
When Ann-Raleigh Murthy travels to Boston from her home in Louisiana, she has a list of “must-dos.” Among the highlights: Ride the swan boats in the Public Garden, swing by her favorite chocolate shop, go shopping — and visit with Dr. Carlos Estrada, Boston Children’s urologist-in-chief. Dr. Estrada, along with neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf, “are two ... Read More about Lifechanging surgery brings Ann-Raleigh relief from VUR — and some new ‘besties’
‘A picture-perfect life’: Makayla is thriving with OEIS syndrome
On a sunny day this spring, Makayla Brisson was on a mission: to find the two bunny rabbit sculptures in the rooftop garden of Boston Children’s Hale Family Building. As much fun as she was having, Makayla was distracted: She was anxiously waiting for her best friend, Aubree. And as Aubree and her parents entered ... Read More about ‘A picture-perfect life’: Makayla is thriving with OEIS syndrome
Years in the making: Team performs successful fetal intervention for VOGM
On an ordinary Wednesday in March, a team of specialists from two institutions made the extraordinary happen: a first-of-its-kind intervention for a rare, life-threatening type of blood vessel anomaly called a vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) — performed in utero. The ultrasound-guided embolization involves deploying tiny metal coils into the affected vein via a microcatheter ... Read More about Years in the making: Team performs successful fetal intervention for VOGM