Cyber Surgery
ALAYA robot
Robotic assistant for the placement of pedicle screws in spine surgery. Millimetre-accurate trajectory with patented kinematic tracking.
Brain&Spine Neurosurgery of the brain and spine
A unit specialising in surgery of the nervous system and the spine. We treat national and international patients with rigorous diagnosis, precision technology and a multidisciplinary team committed to every case.
Latest-generation technology
The best equipment at the service of your case.
We bring the most advanced neurosurgical technology in the world into the operating theatre: surgical robots, precision microscopy, intraoperative CT and incisionless surgery. More than 1,000 procedures a year support every technical decision.
Endoscopy
Cranial and spinal endoscopy
Minimally invasive approaches through incisions of just a few millimetres. Endonasal pituitary surgery, hydrocephalus and disc pathology with high-definition endoscopes, using both uniportal and biportal techniques.
Medtronic
O-ARM · intraoperative CT
Computed tomography inside the operating theatre. We check implant placement in real time, during the procedure itself, without having to wait until afterwards.
Renishaw
NEUROMATE brain robot
Stereotactic robot for functional neurosurgery: DBS for Parkinson's disease, SEEG in epilepsy and brain biopsies. Submillimetre accuracy in deep structures.
HIFU
HIFU · incisionless surgery · Parkinson's disease and tremor
MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound. Treatment of essential tremor and Parkinson's disease without opening the skull, with no general anaesthetic and same-day hospital discharge.
Zeiss
PENTERO / KINEVO microscope
Latest-generation surgical microscope with intraoperative fluorescence and robotic positioning for cranial and spinal microsurgery. Stable imaging and optical precision in deep structures.
Surgical technology
Robot-assisted surgery with ALAYA
We use the ALAYA Robotic Assistant (Cyber Surgery) for the precise placement of pedicle screws in spinal fusion surgery, both open and minimally invasive.
ALAYA guides the trajectory of the surgical instruments through a patented kinematic tracking system that requires no optical navigation cameras: it avoids the classic line-of-sight problems and takes up less space in theatre. The patient's position is monitored in real time by a bone reference clamp attached directly to the tracking device, which improves the overall accuracy of the procedure.
What do we use it for?
- Pedicle screw placement in the posterior thoracic and sacro-lumbar spine.
- Spinal fusion surgery, both open and minimally invasive.
- Intraoperative 3D planning using preoperative or intraoperative 2D/3D CT.
- Implant-brand independence: compatible with any commercially available cannulated screw.
A real benefit for the patient: a reduction in mean hospital stay from 9.4 to 6.8 days documented with robotic assistance in spinal fusion, together with lower intraoperative radiation exposure for both patient and team.
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Greater accuracy
Significantly more accurate pedicle screw placement than with conventional technique.
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Minimally invasive
Less tissue damage, lower risk of infection and faster postoperative recovery.
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Shorter operating time
An intuitive workflow and fast set-up that shorten the length of the procedure.
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Lower radiation
The system minimises the number of image acquisitions needed during surgery.
How can we help you?
Conditions we treat
Conditions we treat
with verifiable results.
From the most common disc herniations to the most complex movement disorders. These are the areas where the Brain & Spine Barcelona team has the greatest surgical and technical experience.
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Featured specialties
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Priority treatments.
Spine surgery
Cervical Spine
Minimally invasive surgery for disc herniation, canal stenosis and traumatic cervical injury.
Spine surgery
Lumbar Spine
Endoscopic and microsurgical techniques for disc herniation, canal stenosis and degenerative lumbar disease.
Movement disorders
Essential Tremor
Treatment of essential tremor with DBS or HIFU (incisionless HIFU). Immediate functional improvement and reduced medication.
Incisionless
HIFU · surgery without opening
MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Treatment of essential tremor and Parkinson's disease without opening the skull, with no general anaesthetic and same-day discharge.
Functional neurosurgery
Parkinson's · DBS and HIFU
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and radiosurgery/HIFU. Reduces medication by up to 75%. Two options depending on the clinical indication.
Functional neurosurgery
Refractory Epilepsy
Surgical resection of the epileptic focus, SEEG, VNS and neuromodulation. 60–70% seizure-free at 5 years.
Neuro-oncology
Gliomas and Intra-axial Tumours
Maximum safe resection with neuronavigation, awake craniotomy and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.
Neuro-oncology
Meningiomas
Complete microsurgical resection of the most common extra-axial tumours, with low recurrence rates.
Skull base
Acoustic Neuroma
Skull base approaches preserving hearing and facial function in selected tumours.
Neurovascular
Cerebrovascular Surgery
Intracranial aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Microsurgical clipping or endovascular approach.
Clinical neurology
Chronic Headaches and Migraine
Thorough differential diagnosis and personalised treatment of chronic headaches and refractory migraine.
How we work
A process centred on the patient
From the first contact to postoperative follow-up, every step is designed to give you clarity and confidence.
01
Send us your scans
Share your MRI scans or medical reports remotely. We review your case before you travel anywhere.
02
Multidisciplinary board
Your case is presented to our team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and neuroradiologists.
03
Assessment consultation
You receive a personalised plan explained clearly, with time to answer all your questions.
04
Surgery and follow-up
A procedure planned with precision technology. Continuous postoperative follow-up, including by video call.
Our team
Leading specialists
Doctors trained at centres of excellence across Europe and the United States, experts in each neurosurgical subspecialty.
Dr Pedro Roldán Ramos
Neurosurgeon, Brain and Spine Surgery
"Neurosurgery today allows us to map and protect every functional structure of the brain during the procedure."
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Dr Abel Ferrés Pijoan
Neurosurgeon, Brain and Spine
"The best surgery is the one that treats the disease while preserving everything that makes a person unique."
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Dr María Elena Filadoro
Neurosurgeon, Spine and Functional
"Every patient deserves a comprehensive, personalised and cutting-edge approach, with warmth at every stage."
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Dr M. Noelia Sosa Echeverría
Neurosurgeon, Functional and Stereotactic
"Neuromodulation and DBS are changing the outlook for movement disorders."
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Patients
Stories that drive us
Real stories from patients who trusted the team. Testimonials anonymised with consent.
High-grade glioma
"I arrived with a glioma I had been told was inoperable. Here they reviewed it at the board meeting and proposed a plan. The surgery was a success. Four years on, I am well."
Cervical disc herniation
"I had spent years with a cervical disc herniation operated by another team with no improvement. Minimally invasive surgery gave me back my mobility and took the pain away."
International patient
"I travelled from outside Spain. The team reviewed my case before I came and gave me a clear plan. Warm care and flawless technique."
Locations
Where we see patients
The Brain & Spine team holds clinics at several centres in Barcelona. Surgical procedures are carried out at Hospital El Pilar and at Barnaclínic+.
★ Main · Operating theatre
Hospital El Pilar
★ Operating theatre
Barnaclínic+
Consultations
Clínica Olivé Gumà
Consultations
Centro Médico Aribau
Consultations
Espacio de Salud DKV
International patients
We treat patients from all over the world
An internationally trained team with a dedicated care pathway for patients travelling from any country. Second opinion within 24-48h, coordination with your local doctor and full management of your trip to Barcelona.
Remote second opinion
We review your images and MRI scans before you travel. If we can help you, we will tell you clearly.
Travel coordination
Help with bookings, support at the hospital and interpreting if you need it.
Remote follow-up
Postoperative reviews by video call once you return home. Always in touch.
Our clinic
Where we welcome you
We operate at Hospital El Pilar, Quironsalud Aribau, Barnaclínic+ and Clínica Olivé Gumà, in Barcelona. The clinic is designed so that your first contact is calm, transparent and technical. You are seen by dedicated clinical staff, we review your scans (MRI, CT, reports) with you and we explain the options unhurriedly, never more than one patient in the room at a time, never any rush.
- Second opinion within 24-48h, with a written report if you wish.
- Assessment using your MRI/CT: we review the images with you on screen.
- Personalised treatment plan: conservative, minimally invasive or surgical, based on your actual case, not a protocol.
Request information
Request your assessment
Send us your medical reports or tell us about your case. The team reviews them at a multidisciplinary board meeting and replies within 24-48 working hours.
Frequently asked questions
What patients ask us most
Which hospitals do you operate in?
We operate at Hospital El Pilar, Quironsalud Aribau, Barnaclínic+ and Clínica Olivé Gumà, all in Barcelona. We choose the centre according to the type of surgery, the technology required (ALAYA robot, O-ARM, HIFU) and the patient's insurance cover.
What is minimally invasive lumbar disc herniation surgery like?
Through an incision of just a few millimetres, using a microscope or endoscope, the compressed nerve is released. The hospital stay is usually 24 hours and most patients walk the same day. Return to work takes between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the job.
What is HIFU and what is it used for?
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is an incisionless, MRI-guided technique that treats essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. It is an alternative to deep brain stimulation (DBS) in selected patients: no general anaesthetic, no implanted electrodes and an immediate effect.
HIFU or DBS for Parkinson's disease and tremor?
HIFU is unilateral and requires no implant, making it ideal for older patients or those whose tremor is dominant on one side. DBS is bilateral, adjustable and reversible, and is indicated in advanced Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations. The decision is taken at the multidisciplinary board after a full neurological assessment.
How much does private spine or brain surgery cost?
The price depends on the procedure, the hospital, the technology used and the length of stay. After reviewing your case we send you a fixed quote, with no surprises, covering the team's fees, hospital, anaesthesia, materials and follow-up. We work with the main private insurers.
What is recovery after brain surgery like?
It depends on the type of procedure. In minimally invasive surgery with neuronavigation and O-ARM the stay is usually 2 to 4 days. We follow patients closely during the first 3 months and carry out regular reviews afterwards, including by video call for patients who travel.
Do you treat international patients?
Yes. We see patients in Spanish, English, French and Italian. We offer a remote second opinion within 24-48h, travel coordination, hospital arrangements and postoperative follow-up by video call once you return home.
Can I request a second opinion by sending my scans?
Yes. Send us your MRI scans, reports and test results through the form. The team reviews them at the board meeting and we reply within 24-48 working hours with a clear assessment: whether we can help you, how, and what alternatives exist.
What technology do you use in the operating theatre?
We work with the ALAYA robot for guided spine surgery, O-ARM for intraoperative CT, neuronavigation, a latest-generation surgical microscope and HIFU for tremor and Parkinson's disease. The surgeon chooses the technology according to what your case needs.
Which conditions do you treat?
Spine (disc herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, adult scoliosis), brain and spinal tumours, functional neurosurgery (Parkinson's disease, tremor, epilepsy, chronic pain), cerebrovascular disease and traumatic brain injury.
How quickly do you reply?
We reply to all enquiries within 24-48 working hours. In urgent cases (suspected tumour, acute neurological deficit) we prioritise assessment on the same day.