2. Dr. Michael Thomas, a neurosurgeon in Washington state,
pursues a special interest in surgical interventions for brain
tumors. Dr. Michael Thomas has studied the topic for more
than 15 years and applies his expertise at his solo
neurosurgeon's practice.
When a brain tumor requires surgical intervention,
physicians typically choose between the traditional
craniotomy and the minimally invasive neuroendoscopy.
The craniotomy requires removal of a portion of the skull
and is thus considered a more conservative approach
when the tumor is difficult to access or find. Depending on
the location of the tumor, a surgeon may perform one of
several types of craniotomies.

3. The bifrontal craniotomy, for example, requires the
surgeon to remove the curve of skull that makes up
the forehead. This gives direct access to tumors at
the front of the brain. The sigmoid or the supra-
orbital craniotomy, involves removal of smaller
pieces of bone and targets more specific areas.
The neuroendoscopy, however, only requires the
drilling of small holes in the skull. Through these
holes, a small camera telescope and attached
instruments enable the surgeon to remove the
tumor.