Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Overview

The Peripheral Nerve Surgery Division at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University is a leading academic center specializing in the treatment of peripheral nerve disorders. These commonly include entrapment syndromes, peripheral nerve tumors and peripheral nerve trauma.

Entrapment syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy and peroneal neuropathy occur when peripheral nerves become compressed or entrapped by scar tissue or thickened ligaments. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain and restore function. The most common treatment provided by the division is carpal tunnel release. In patients who suffer from this repetitive motion disorder, the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist area. Care begins with minimally invasive treatments such as oral medication, wrist bracing and cortisone injections, all of which are typically successful. If needed, our program is well-experienced in the quick and efficient surgical treatment of carpal tunnel disease. This 20-minute outpatient procedure is highly successful at providing effective relief.

The division also treats tumors of the peripheral nerves and the brachial plexus, with a focus on successful surgical removal of the tumor. The division is a member of a multidisciplinary program, partnering with radiation oncology and oncology, if required, for adjunctive treatment.

Overall, the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Division, working together with patients and their health care providers, is committed to making patients comfortable and restoring their functionality, with a conservative-first approach to minimizing the impact of surgery and recovery time.

Our Team

Division Director

Deus J. Cielo, MD

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
Vice-Chair for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
Director, Peripheral Nerve Surgery Division
Co-Director, Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program
Director, Miriam Hospital Neurosurgery Program

Neurosurgery Department Team

Curtis E. Doberstein, MD

Professor of Neurosurgery
Executive Vice-Chair, Clinical Operations
Director, Cerebrovascular and Skull-base Surgery Division
Director, Neurosurgery Residency Training Program

Conditions We Treat

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ulnar Nerve Disorders
  • Peroneal Neuropathies
  • Tumor of Peripheral Nerve or the Brachial Plexus
  • Peripheral Nerve Trauma

Technology

TrueBeam Radiotherapy System

“The most common treatment provided by the division is carpal tunnel release. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome are gently guided through non-operative measures, ultimately proceeding to a quick and efficient surgical decompression if needed.”

– Deus J.Cielo, MD

LPG Neurosurgery
593 Eddy Street, APC6
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 793-9166
Fax: (401) 444-2788