When 29-year-old Tania Zuniga learned she needed brain surgery for the second time in two years, she expected another long hospital stay. Instead, she was home just hours after her procedure, thanks to an innovative treatment approach being explored at WMCHealth.

Zuniga was first diagnosed with a benign meningioma in 2023, following surgery to remove a different brain tumor. The initial procedure was performed by Simon J. Hanft, MD, a neurosurgeon at WMCHealth. When it became clear in early 2024 that her meningioma required removal, Zuniga knew she wanted Dr. Hanft to perform the surgery.

Despite having relocated to Las Vegas, she traveled back to New York to be under his care. “Dr. Hanft already worked on my brain, and I trusted him completely,” Zuniga says.

How Same-Day Brain Surgery Works

Same-day brain tumor surgery is extremely rare in the region, but Dr. Hanft is among a small group of neurosurgeons exploring this approach on a case-by-case basis. “With the right patient, we can safely remove a brain tumor in the morning and have them home by dinner,” he says.

The ability to safely discharge patients quickly is due to advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques. “We use MRI-based navigation software that allows for smaller incisions and more precise tumor removal, resulting in less blood loss and post-operative pain,” Dr. Hanft explains.

The approach also includes specialized anesthetic techniques, such as a “scalp block,” which numbs key areas of the head and reduces the need for opioid pain medications. Patients receive a post-operative MRI and a physical therapy evaluation the same day to ensure they are stable before heading home.

A Faster Recovery Than Expected

Zuniga’s surgery took just a few hours, and by early afternoon, she was awake and walking with a physical therapist. “I couldn’t believe how quickly I was up and moving,” she says.

Dr. Hanft emphasizes that same-day brain surgery isn’t suitable for every patient. Candidates must be in good health, with tumors in accessible locations. However, for those who qualify, the benefits are significant.

“Hospital stays are great when you need them, but if you don’t, they can actually slow recovery,” Dr. Hanft says. “Patients do better at home, both physically and psychologically.”

Just four weeks after surgery, Zuniga was back at work.

“If you told me I’d be discharged the same day, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she says. “But after this experience, I’d trust Dr. Hanft with anything.”

With success stories like Zuniga’s, same-day brain tumor surgery is proving to be a safe and effective option for select patients—one that could redefine neurosurgical care in the future.

Are you or a loved one facing the prospect of brain surgery? Imagine a procedure that allows you to return home the same day, with minimal discomfort and a faster recovery. At WMCHealth, our innovative same-day brain tumor surgery is transforming neurosurgical care. Join the growing number of patients who have trusted WMCHealth for their brain surgery needs. Take the first step towards a better quality of life.

Contact us today to learn more about our same-day brain tumor surgery and schedule your consultation. Visit our website or call us at 914.909.6416. Your journey to advanced neurosurgical care starts here with WMCHealth.