Neurosurgery

About the specialty

Neurosurgery treats conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system that require, or may require, surgery: brain, spinal cord, spine and nerves.

The indication for surgery is always decided by the surgeon, after reviewing the file (reports, imaging) and examining the patient. Polycrabat Sevamed coordinates the pathway around this decision: referral, consultations, hospital stay and follow-up.

Main conditions treated

• Tumours of the brain and spinal cord
• Herniated disc and lumbar spinal stenosis
• Hydrocephalus
• Head and spinal injuries
• Cerebrovascular conditions requiring a surgical assessment
• Compression of the spinal cord or nerves

Types of procedures and techniques

The techniques used and their indication are decided by the doctor, case by case. As a general guide:

• Spinal surgery: decompression, stabilisation, internal fixation
• Removal of tumours of the nervous system
• Cerebrospinal fluid shunting
• Surgical treatment of head and spinal injuries

The patient pathway

1. 01
   Pre-operative assessmentReview of the medical file, available tests and the patient’s clinical situation.
2. 02
   Referral to the right surgeonChoice of the specialist and facility best suited to the medical situation.
3. 03
   SurgeryThe procedure is performed when the indication is confirmed by the medical team.
4. 04
   Hospital stay and monitoringHospital stay and monitoring provided by the facility’s teams.
5. 05
   Post-operative follow-upCheck-up consultations and recommendations from the care team.
6. 06
   Continuity with the referring doctorRelevant information is sent to the doctor in the home country.

A multidisciplinary approach

Neurosurgery relies on medical imaging (CT, MRI), anaesthesia and intensive care, neurology and functional rehabilitation. Depending on the condition, other disciplines may be involved, such as oncology for a tumour.

Health Info guides

Key facts to understand tests and treatments before discussing them with your doctor.

• Herniated disc: when should you see a neurosurgeon?→
• Meningioma: monitoring, surgery or radiosurgery?→
• Gamma Knife: indications for brain radiosurgery→
• Hydrocephalus: signs, tests and treatments→
• Brain tumours: diagnosis and treatments→
• Spine surgery: when is an operation needed?→
• Neurosurgery caravan in Owendo (Gabon), May 2023→
• Neurosurgery mission in Agondjé (Gabon), December 2017→

All Health Info guides

See also

• Neurology→
• Medical imaging & radiology→
• Adult intensive care→
• Second medical opinion→

International patients

Polycrabat Sevamed supports patients coming from abroad: file review, referral to a specialist, scheduling appointments, hospitalisation, coordination of the medical stay and continuity with the doctor in the home country.