When a Mesa resident needed emergency brain surgery after a serious fall, advanced neurosurgical care was available close to home.
HonorHealth’s growing ability to provide brain and spine care throughout the Valley was put into action recently when neurosurgeon John Wanebo, MD, performed the first craniotomy at HonorHealth Four Peaks Medical Center.
The 59-year-old woman came to the Four Peaks emergency department after striking her head. She was experiencing severe headaches, nausea and mild weakness on her left side.
The trauma team identified a fractured upper arm and a large subdural hematoma, or bleeding between the brain and its outer covering, that was putting significant pressure on her brain.
Dr. Wanebo performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the blood and relieve the pressure. The patient is recovering well from brain surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
“The Four Peaks emergency, operating room and ICU teams were ready to respond when this patient needed complex care,” said Dr. Wanebo. “Having the expertise, equipment and teams in place to manage complex brain and spine injuries means we can provide more advanced care closer to home for patients in the growing East Valley.”
