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 patients from Spain and from other countries. A multidisciplinary team reviews every case before proposing treatment.
Surgical technology
Equipment we use in theatre.
In theatre we work with surgical robots, a fluorescence microscope, intraoperative CT and HIFU, an incisionless technique. The team performs more than 1,000 procedures a year.
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
Surgical microscope with intraoperative fluorescence and robotic positioning for cranial and spinal microsurgery.
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
most often.
From disc herniations to movement disorders. These are the areas in which the Brain & Spine Barcelona team has the most surgical experience.
See all specialties
Featured specialties
See all
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, the latter without incisions. The aim is to improve function and reduce 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, depending on the clinical indication. It can reduce medication by up to 75%.
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
Differential diagnosis and treatment of chronic headaches and refractory migraine.
How we work
A process centred on the patient
These are the steps from the first contact to postoperative follow-up.
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
We explain the treatment plan and take the time to answer your questions.
04
Surgery and follow-up
A planned procedure and postoperative follow-up, including by video call.
Our team
Our specialists
Doctors trained at hospitals in Europe and the Americas, each dedicated to a subspecialty of neurosurgery.
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
Patient stories
Patients operated on by the team tell their story on video. Published with their consent.
Functional neurology
María José: Trigeminal neuralgia resistant to medication and rhizotomies, resolved with surgery.
- Patient
- María José, 67 years old
- Outcome
- Pain free
Skull base
Stephanie: Advanced acoustic neuroma removed in a seven-hour operation.
- Patient
- Stephanie, 42 years old
- Outcome
- Tumour removed
Lumbar spine
Mercedes Ramírez: Severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis (L3-L4) operated with a very rapid recovery.
- Patient
- Mercedes Ramírez, 78 years old
- Outcome
- Walking the next day
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
We have a care pathway for patients travelling from other countries: second opinion within 24-48h, coordination with your local doctor and organisation 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.
Our clinic
Where we welcome you
We operate at Hospital El Pilar, Quironsalud Aribau, Barnaclínic+ and Clínica Olivé Gumà, in Barcelona. You are seen by clinical staff, we go through your scans (MRI, CT, reports) with you and we take time to explain the options. There is never more than one patient in the room at a time.
- 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, depending on your case.
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. It is usually indicated in 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 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 Zeiss 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.