医学科研究紹介_2017-2018_英語版

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31Minimally invasive (ALARA) and function preservation neurosurgical treatment using the state-of-the-art medical care▶ Summary of ActivityAt the Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, we conduct surgical treatment for cerebrovascular disorder, brain tumors, spinal cord diseases, etc. with a consistent treatment policy using “as less as reasonable achievable (ALARA) surgery and function preservation therapy” by making full use of state-of-the-art medical care. The goal is to cultivate more excellent neurosurgeons by performing high level brain surgical interventions in collaboration with all affiliated hospitals. For each neurosurgical disease, we are conducting research on the following themes:・ Minimally invasive surgical approach: Development of surgical methods and safer surgical approach for the skull base lesion・ Surgical instrument: Development of surgical instruments to make surgery safer and more reliable ・ Surgical simulation: Development of surgical simulation with three dimensional neuro-images・ Microneurosurgical anatomical study: Understanding and study of focal brain anatomy for more precise neurosurgical operation・ Intraoperative neural function monitoring and mapping: Research on evaluation of neural functions using electrophysiological techniques during surgery for function preservation・ Development of surgical robotics: Development of robot-assisted surgery system for minimally invasive neurosurgery・ Genetic analysis of malignant brain tumor: Genetic analysis, optimal chemotherapy of the malignant brain tumor▶Professor: Kazuhiro Hongo, M.D.▶Divisions: 1. Cerebrovascular neurosurgery 2. Brain tumor (intra- and extraaxial) 3. Functional neurosurgery 4. Minimally invasive spine and spinal cord neurosurgery 5. Neuroendoscopic surgery 6. Endovascular treatmentNeurosurgeryDiscover bone diseases!—from the perspective of genes—（Chief: Associate Prof. Yukio Nakamura）Orthopaedic SurgerySummary of ActivityMany patients suffer from pain and bone fractures due to congenital bone disor-ders, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis; however, the causes of those dis-eases are largely unknown. Because the causes are not clear-cut in many cas-es, it is not rare to face difficulties in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. In addition, the fundamental treatment options are limited to rehabilitation and/or surgeries. In our research group, we focus on “disease-causing genes.” When those genes are identified, an accurate diagnosis of the disease will become feasible, which may lead to the possible discovery of new treatment strategies.・Identification of responsible genes in congenital skeletal disorders・ Examination of genes and their roles using animals (zebrafish, mice) and tissue culture cells・Application of the identified genes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseasesIf the etiology of the disease is better understood, its diagnosis and treatment may be carried out by using blood and urine testing, which are both easily performed at hospitals. Those dis-eases could conceivably be treated without surgery but by the administration of oral drugs, and we believe that this may bring faith to those who are suffering. ・Improve logical thinking skills via research with us.・ Gain new knowledge and experience from the perspective of conducting genetic research.Research subjectOutlook for researchOutlook for students after graduationUnknown etiology of congenital radioulnar synostosis （elbow bones are fused at birth）Zebrafish have bones; thus, they are a suitable model to study bone genesInjection into Zebrafish eggs （diameter, 0.5-1mm） to incorporate genesProf. Kazuhiro Hongo