Halifax Health & UF Health Launch Advanced Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Surgery Program

UF Health and Halifax Health are proud to announce a major advancement in specialized neurosurgical care with the launch of a new, dedicated Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Surgery Program. This initiative marks a significant milestone for healthcare in the region, ensuring patients no longer need to travel far for highly complex and delicate procedures.

The new program is set to become a regional center of excellence, delivering advanced, minimally invasive surgical options for conditions affecting the skull base—the bony area behind the eyes and nose—and tumors of the pituitary gland. These conditions include meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, craniopharyngiomas, and chordomas, which often require the utmost precision and specialized expertise to treat while preserving vital functions.

Leading this pioneering effort is Dr. M. Maher Hulou, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon whose arrival signals a major step forward for the neurosciences department at UF Health/Halifax Health. Dr. Hulou completed rigorous advanced subspecialty training in both Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Surgery, equipping him with the intricate skills required to navigate the most challenging areas of the brain.

Dr. Hulou’s expertise lies in employing cutting-edge techniques, including microscopic and endoscopic transnasal surgery. This minimally disruptive approach allows surgeons to remove pituitary and certain skull base tumors through the nostrils, eliminating the need for large external incisions and resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients. His focus on preserving neurological function and ensuring excellent patient outcomes is central to the program's philosophy.

"The launch of this program is about bringing the highest level of academic medicine and surgical innovation directly to our community," says Dr. Hulou. "Patients with skull base and pituitary tumors face daunting diagnoses, and our goal is to offer them a local, accessible option for world-class, multidisciplinary care. We are committed to using the least invasive methods possible to achieve the best surgical results."

The establishment of this program addresses a critical need for specialized neuro-oncology services in the greater Volusia and Flagler counties. Skull base and pituitary surgery are inherently complex, requiring a coordinated team that includes neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, and radiation oncologists.

For the community, this means direct access to world-class care, reducing the stress and financial burden of seeking treatment hundreds of miles away. It underscores the joint commitment of Halifax Health and UF Health to continuously invest in advanced technology and highly specialized physician talent.

With the launch of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Surgery Program under the leadership of Dr. Hulou, Halifax Health and UF Health are not only treating complex diseases but also reshaping the future of specialized healthcare delivery in the region. The community can feel confident that expert, compassionate, and advanced neurosurgical care is now right at their doorstep.