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If you have significant spinal cord compression or a collapsed vertebra, your surgeon may need to stabilize your spine using rods and screws. Successful decompression of the spinal cord may create space between the tumor and the spinal cord for the safe administration of high-dose radiation. Spinal Cord Decompression and Stabilization: This procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord.When a brain tumor is near an area of the brain that controls a vital function, you may need to remain awake (but unable to feel pain) during this procedure so that you can communicate with your surgeon. Awake Craniotomy: In a craniotomy, a piece of skull is removed to access the brain.Most patients return home the next day with minimal pain. Using MRI to guide the way, a neurosurgeon makes a tiny incision in the scalp and then uses a laser probe to deliver a strong, targeted dose of laser energy directly into the brain tumor. It is also the preferred option for recurrent brain metastases and for radiation necrosis, a complication that can occur after radiation treatment. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): When a brain tumor is difficult to reach or remove through open surgery, this relatively new advance in minimally invasive surgery may be an option.Surgery may also be an option for patients whose tumors return after treatment. In some cases, open brain surgery may be necessary. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques and small incisions to remove (or resect) all or part of the tumor. Resection Surgery for Brain and/or Spine Tumors