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New scientist profile: Dr. Fahad AlKherayf aims to improve minimally invasive brain surgery


June 26, 2019

Dr. Fahad AlKherayf Neurosurgeon Dr. Fahad AlKherayf specializes in removing tumours from the base of the skull that are normally difficult for the surgeon to access by operating through the nose. His research aims to improve this minimally invasive technique. His team recently published a study that found a technique developed by Dr. AlKherayf and Dr. David Holden can effectively monitor changes to a patient’s vision during brain surgery, notifying surgeons to put less pressure on the optic nerve and possibly reducing side-effects. The technique was recently recognized by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons as an important innovation, and other hospitals have expressed interest in learning it. Dr. AlKherayf is also studying whether non-invasive tests can help guide treatment for glioma brain tumours.

Dr. AlKherayf was recently appointed as an associate scientist in the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He is the Director of the Combined Skull Base Fellowship program at the University of Ottawa, as well as a residency program director and assistant professor.

“The Ottawa Hospital is one of the largest centres that can remove skull base tumours through the nose. It’s exciting to think that our research could make this cutting-edge surgery even better,” said Dr. AlKherayf.

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