What do we do?
The Neurosurgery specialism treats afflictions of the nervous system, the cranium and the spine. In adults, neurosurgery focuses mainly on the treatment of tumours, cranial trauma, brain haemorrhages, abnormal movements, pain or hormonal dysfunction of the Hypophysis. The degenerative afflictions of the spine (such as Discus Hernia or Lumbar Stenosis) and post-traumatic Vertebral Fractures, sometimes involving paralysis, can also be treated through Neurosurgery.
Some of these afflictions may appear very early on in life, even before birth (congenital defects). As such, paediatric neurosurgery is an important field of neurosurgery. This specialty comprises, among others, the treatment of hydrocephalus, tumours, vascular malformations, craniostenosis and other congenital deformities. Since the department’s creation, surgery has been conducted on over 10,000 patients, using the most advanced procedures.
Microsurgery and ultrasonic aspiration of tumours have vastly increased the quality and safety of neurosurgery. Neuronavigation and stereotaxis, combined with the latest imaging techniques, make it possible to locate deeply embedded brain lesions very precisely and to remove them. Stereotaxis is also practised during the implantation of cerebral electrodes for Parkinson’s Disease.
Spinal Stimulation (for the treatment of chronic pain) as well as the implantation of pumps (to administer drugs in the spine of spastic patients) are conducted in cooperation with the rehabilitation and anaesthesiology units.
The use of endoscopes (keyhole surgery) has also made an impact, notably in cases of hypophysis swelling and certain forms of hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
Thanks to the Radiosurgery Novalis, an ever increasing number of intracranial tumours can be treated without opening the skull. Novalis is one of the most advanced irradiation technologies which is also used for treatingIntracranial arteriovenous malformations in cooperation with the radiotherapy department.
The multidisciplinary consultations with endocrinologists, radiotherapists, neurologic oncologists and anaesthesiologists ensure a more efficient approach to the various neurosurgical disorders.