Neurosurgery

Most neurosurgical procedures can be provided by our specialist team at The London Clinic's Neurology and Neurosurgery Centre. Here are some of the main procedures:   

Surgery for intracranial tumours
Surgery to biopsy or resect all types of brain tumours and cyst is undertaken. The use of an advanced neuro-navigation system, and operating microscopes, enables our surgeons to operate with a high degree of accuracy. Acoustic neuromas can be treated surgically

(a combined approach by ENT surgeon and neurosurgeons) or with the 'Gamma Knife'.

Pituitary surgery
Surgery is undertaken for pituitary lesions using a transphenoidal approach or endoscopic techniques. We work closely with our colleagues in the Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre to provide care management (with neurosurgeons and endocrinologists working together). We admit patients for diagnostic and pre-operative management (e.g. Cushing's disease). Some pituitary lesions can be treated using the Gamma Knife.

Spinal and cervical surgery
Surgery is undertaken for all spinal pathologies (including prolapsed discs, lumbar stenosis, spondyliothesis, spinal tumours, spinals AVMs, spinal fractures, spinal infections).

Lumbar microdiscectomy is a technique which utilises the operating microscope to operate on prolapsed lumbar discs.

In the cervical region (neck) an anterior approach is often used – which may include insertion of a bone graft and titanium plates.

Decompressive laminectomies are undertaken for narrowing of the spinal canal.

Most types of fusions and stabilisation operations are undertaken (including grafting, pedicle screws, stabilisation systems and cage insertions).

Spondyliothesis, fractures, intractable pain, tumours, and osteoporosis can be treated. Surgery has been undertaken on a number of patients with spinal AVMs.

Balloon kyphoplasty is performed on patients with osteoporosis and spinal fractures. Dorsal column stimulators are inserted for chronic pain.

Back pain
We admit patients with back pain and sciatica for investigations, which may lead to surgery or may be managed conservatively (i.e. with hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, bed rest and medication). Facet blocks and rhizolysis are undertaken as day cases.

Surgery for hydrocephalus
Surgery is performed to insert ventricular peritoneal and lumbar peritoneal shunts for hydrocephalus (including normal pressure hydrocephalus). Endoscopic techniques can be used to perform ventriculostomy.

Surgery for AVMs and aneurysms
Surgery is undertaken to clip cerebral aneurysms and excise AVMs. We manage patients who have had a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Radiological techniques can be used for coiling of aneurysms and embolisation of AVMs.

AVMs may be treated with the Gamma Knife. We care for patients undergoing cerebral digital subtraction angiography to diagnose or monitor the effect of treatments of vascular lesions. Procedures include stenting for carotid stenosis (in CVA /TIA).

Head injuries
We manage all types of head injuries, from patients who have concussion to severely

head-injured patients with tracheostomy. Surgery for subdural haematoma is undertaken.

Surgery for trigeminal neuralgia
All surgical techniques for trigeminal neuralgia are available (including radio-frequency thermocoagulation/microvascular decompression).

Peripheral nerve surgery
Surgery is undertaken on the peripheral nervous system including carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve decompression.

Surgery for Parkinson’s disease
Deep brain stimulators are inserted using a stereotactic frame to treat movement disorders (including tremor, and dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease, and tremor in multiple sclerosis) or intractable pain.

Other neurosurgical procedures
Other neurosurgical procedures are undertaken, including adentoid peg surgery, Foramen Magnum Decompression for Arnold Chiari Malformation, CSF leaks (repairs and spinal drain) and surgery for syringomyelia.

General Disclaimer
This page is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through these pagess should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.