Neurosurgery

Specialists in high-precision neurological surgery

The Neurosurgery Department at Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital specialises in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, spine, pituitary gland and peripheral nervous system. It also specialises in the surgical treatment of chronic pain.

The department is organised into highly specialised units, enabling precise intervention in complex tumour-related, vascular, functional and degenerative conditions. Each case is analysed on an individual basis, integrating clinical findings with advanced imaging and neurophysiological studies, three-dimensional planning and a multidisciplinary assessment, before determining the need for surgery.

The primary objective is clear: to treat the condition whilst preserving neurological function as much as possible and ensuring a safe, structured care process, tailored to each patient.

Surgical assessment of tumours, vascular conditions and complex degenerative processes

Brain and spinal cord tumours, aneurysms and vascular malformations, hydrocephalus, deep lesions or lesions of the ventricular system, pituitary disorders and degenerative processes of the spine require a specialised, meticulous and individualised neurosurgical assessment.

The decision to operate is not based solely on the presence of an anatomical lesion, but on a detailed analysis of its location, its biological behaviour, the associated symptoms, the specific functional impact on each patient and the risk of progression.

Expert judgement is crucial in determining whether or not to operate, when to do so, which surgical technique and technology to use, and the treatment strategy that offers the greatest neurological safety.

Advanced neurosurgical planning

The care process begins with a specialist consultation and a thorough review of imaging studies, vascular studies or functional tests, as appropriate.

Surgical planning incorporates state-of-the-art tools for three-dimensional reconstruction, 3D planning and augmented reality. Complex cases are assessed in multidisciplinary team meetings involving neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, chronic pain specialists, anaesthetists and intensive care specialists, ensuring a consensus-based and technically sound surgical strategy grounded in up-to-date scientific evidence.

Each procedure is carried out in a highly specialised surgical setting, using the most innovative technology available—including neuronavigation, stereotaxy, 3D planning, augmented reality and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring where indicated—with well-defined safety protocols, and organised post-operative follow-up both in hospital and at home.

Organisation into neurosurgical subspecialist units

The specialty of Neurosurgery is organised into units covering all areas of modern neurosurgery, enabling each condition to be treated with the necessary technical expertise and multidisciplinary hospital coordination.

Comprehensive Spine Care Unit

The Comprehensive Spine Care Unit focuses on the surgical treatment of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, fractures and spinal tumours across all segments of the spine, using minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques that minimise tissue damage.

Surgical planning is aimed at relieving neurological compression, preserving spinal stability and promoting a rapid and safe functional recovery.

Treatment recommendations are made on a multidisciplinary and personalised basis, with a joint assessment carried out by neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists and anaesthetists specialising in pain management, integrating specific pain management strategies from the outset to optimise patient preparation, improve tolerance of the procedure and promote a more stable clinical course throughout the process.

Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery and Neuroendoscopy

The Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery and Neuroendoscopy Unit treats deep brain lesions using high-precision techniques aimed at preserving neurological function.

It treats complex hydrocephalus, intraventricular lesions, intracranial cysts, deep cavernomas and hard-to-reach tumours, using neuroendoscopy and minimally invasive surgery assisted by advanced neuronavigation where indicated.

Skull Base Microsurgery and Endoscopy

The Skull Base Microsurgery and Endoscopy Unit is responsible for the surgical treatment of tumours and other deep lesions of the sellar region and skull base, using three-dimensional planning and an individualised selection of microsurgical or endoscopic approaches.

The aim is to achieve tumour resection whilst preserving critical neurological and endocrine structures.

Neurovascular Microsurgery

The Neurovascular Microsurgery Unit specialises in the surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms, cerebral and spinal arteriovenous malformations, and other lesions carrying a risk of haemorrhage, using high-precision microsurgical techniques.

The decision to proceed with surgery is based on a detailed analysis of the natural risk associated with the lesion and the surgical risk, always prioritising the protection of cerebral circulation and neurological function. The unit works in multidisciplinary collaboration with the specialities of Neurology and Interventional Neuroradiology to ensure that patients receive the most effective and safest treatment option in each case.

Functional and Awake Oncological Surgery

The Functional Oncological Surgery Unit performs surgery on tumours located in eloquent areas of the brain using resection techniques guided by cortical mapping and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.

In selected cases, surgery is performed whilst the patient is awake, allowing language, motor function and cognitive functions to be assessed in real time, in order to maximise tumour resection whilst maintaining strict functional monitoring throughout the surgical procedure.

Ongoing clinical monitoring and support

The department comprises neurosurgeons with extensive and long-standing experience, and specific expertise in each area, who work in close collaboration with Neurology, Interventional Neuroradiology, Oncology, Endocrinology, Intensive Care and other medical and surgical specialities within the hospital when the case requires it.

Treatment planning is discussed with the patient following a clear explanation of the diagnosis, the available options and the associated risks. Decision-making is based on objective data and sound clinical judgement grounded in the available scientific evidence, whilst allowing sufficient time to address any concerns and explain each step of the process in context.

During hospitalisation and subsequent follow-up, organised supervision and coordination are maintained between the specialities involved, ensuring continuity of care and patient safety.

The combination of neurosurgical subspecialisation, a multidisciplinary approach, rigorous treatment planning, and structured, continuous clinical support throughout the entire process establishes the Neurosurgery Department at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital as an environment focused on safety, technical precision and functional preservation in highly complex neurosurgical procedures.