Johnson City Medical Center Performs New Brain Surgery

The hospital completed its first awake brain tumor resection in December.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Johnson City Medical Center recently performed its first awake brain tumor resection, a new treatment option for patients that previously had to travel for the operation. The procedure, led by Dr. Alessandra Cathel, helps physicians avoid damage to areas of the brain that control language or motor skills, especially for tumors close to those functional centers.

Why it matters

Awake craniotomies have been used since ancient times to treat seizures and are now often used to safely remove brain tumors while preserving critical functions. This new capability at the Johnson City Medical Center means patients in the area no longer have to travel for this specialized surgery.

The details

During the awake brain tumor resection procedure, the patient remains conscious, allowing the surgeon to monitor the patient's brain function and avoid damaging areas that control language or motor skills. This technique is particularly helpful for tumors located close to those critical functional centers of the brain.

  • The Johnson City Medical Center performed its first awake brain tumor resection in December 2025.

The players

Johnson City Medical Center

A hospital located in Johnson City, Tennessee that recently began offering awake brain tumor resection procedures, a new treatment option for patients in the area.

Dr. Alessandra Cathel

The surgeon who performed the Johnson City Medical Center's first awake brain tumor resection in December 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is especially helpful for patients who have tumors close to those functional centers of the brain, which allows us to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, while preserving these critical functions.”

— Dr. Alessandra Cathel, Surgeon (johnsoncitypress.com)

The takeaway

The new awake brain tumor resection capability at the Johnson City Medical Center provides a specialized treatment option for patients in the area, allowing them to receive this complex surgery closer to home rather than having to travel elsewhere.