Arachnoid Cyst Surgery in New Jersey

The brain is covered by a very thin weblike membrane called an arachnoid. Folds in the arachnoid can trap the fluid that surrounds the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid, and create pockets of fluid surrounded by arachnoid, called arachnoid cysts. Arachnoid cysts often are congenital or present at birth (called primary arachnoid cysts) and are not considered tumors. Injury due to trauma, infection, or bleeding can cause scarring of the arachnoid and form a secondary arachnoid cyst.

If a patient has an arachnoid cyst, that is symptomatic and needs surgical removal, the neurosurgeons at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO), leaders in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. Learn more about arachnoid cyst surgery at CNSO.

Diagnosing Arachnoid Cysts

Arachnoid cysts are often diagnosed incidentally during the evaluation of a head injury, headaches, or other symptoms. The vast majority of arachnoid cysts do not cause symptoms and are considered incidental findings on imaging. Often arachnoid cysts are seen on a head CT and typically an MRI is ordered to ensure that the cyst is truly a benign arachnoid cyst.

Symptoms of an Arachnoid Cyst

Most arachnoid cysts do not cause problems and are found incidentally. However, arachnoid cysts can cause increased pressure inside, or the cyst can compress different areas of the brain. If that is the case a patient may experience:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Feeling lethargic or tired
• Developmental delays in children
• Hormonal issues, such as entering puberty early
• Vision problems
• Hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup, on the brain

Arachnoid cysts in the spine that are growing cause spinal cord compression that may lead to:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Bowel and Bladder incontinence

Arachnoid cysts often appear in childhood and are most prevalent among women in adulthood. If a patient discovers they may have symptoms of an arachnoid cyst, prompt treatment is necessary. Early diagnosis can prevent more notable symptoms from occurring.

Arachnoid Cyst Surgery Options at CNSO

If an arachnoid cyst is causing symptoms, surgery is often required. The varying types of surgery to treat arachnoid cysts include:

Drainage

Arachnoid cysts can be drained directly by creating a small burr hole (hole in the skull) and advancing a small needle to drain the cyst. While it is a quick and simple surgery, there is a higher chance that cysts may grow back, and for that reason, is typically not the recommended treatment.

Endoscopic Fenestration

Using an endoscope, a long thin tube with a camera at the end, that can be advanced into the cyst. The cyst walls are then fenestrated, essentially a series of openings within the cyst to establish the free flow of fluid and prevent future trapping of fluid.

Craniotomy and fenestration

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and the shape of a cyst, the surgeon may elect to fenestrate the cyst through a more conventional, open approach to fenestrate the cyst. This method is used when an arachnoid cyst is in a hard-to-reach area of the brain. During a craniotomy, the neurosurgeon will remove the bone flap (or top portion of the skull) to reach the cyst and fenestrate it.

Shunting

A small tube, or shunt, is inserted into the cyst and connected to a tube that drains into the belly. The fluid is then naturally absorbed into the patient’s body. The shunt stays permanently in the cyst to allow for continued draining.

Resection

When arachnoid cysts are found on the spine, neurosurgeons will perform resection surgery to remove them.

Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery for Arachnoid Cysts

Technology has come a long way in the medical industry, making minimally invasive brain surgery possible. Leaders in minimally invasive spine and brain surgery, the neurosurgeons at CNSO are well-versed in performing minimally invasive procedures for many conditions, including arachnoid cysts. This state-of-the-art technology allows neurosurgeons to use fewer and smaller incision sites. Advantages of minimally invasive brain surgery include:

• Reduced scarring
• Minimal blood loss
• Faster recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less discomfort during recovery
• Lower risk of complications
• Fewer side effects

With minimally invasive surgery, patients usually can return home within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Recovery time depends on the arachnoid cyst’s severity and location, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.

The patient and the neurosurgeons at CNSO will discuss the best course of treatment for each case. When surgery is necessary, if possible, neurosurgeons will opt for minimally invasive techniques to treat arachnoid cysts.

Find Arachnoid Cyst Surgery and Other Treatments at CNSO

Patients will receive comprehensive and coordinated care from Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics’ medical staff. This allows them to resume a healthy, less painful lifestyle free from disability. Work with CNSO’s leading, board-certified neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know has been diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst that is causing symptoms, the dedicated surgical and non-surgical team at CNSO can help. CNSO offers multiple convenient locations spanning northern New Jersey. To learn more about surgery for arachnoid cysts, contact the spine specialists at CNSO.