# Brain & Spine Barcelona · Brain and Spine Neurosurgery

> Brain and spine neurosurgery unit in Barcelona: brain tumours, disc herniation and spinal stenosis, aneurysms, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, stroke and peripheral nerve. Minimally invasive and robotic surgery, precision technology, more than 1,000 procedures a year and a remote second opinion within 24-48h for national and international patients.

URL: https://brainandspine-bcn.com/en/
Fuente: Brain & Spine Barcelona — https://brainandspine-bcn.com

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# 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.

+15
years of experience in neurosurgery
Technology
latest-generation surgical equipment
24–48h
reply to your enquiry and second opinion
Patients
international, with travel arrangements handled

## 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.

Cyber Surgery

### ALAYA robot

Robotic assistant for the placement of pedicle screws in spine surgery. Millimetre-accurate trajectory with patented kinematic tracking.

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.

## 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.

_ALAYA robot deployed in theatre during spinal fusion surgery._

### 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.
_Video: ALAYA Robotic Assistant (Cyber Surgery) in the operating theatre. Click to play._

↑
Greater accuracy
Significantly more accurate pedicle screw placement than with conventional technique.

↓
Minimally invasive
Less tissue damage, lower risk of infection and faster postoperative recovery.

⏱
Shorter operating time
An intuitive workflow and fast set-up that shorten the length of the procedure.

☢
Lower radiation
The system minimises the number of image acquisitions needed during surgery.

## 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.

Cervical spine
Lumbar spine
Essential tremor
HIFU · incisionless
Parkinson's disease
Epilepsy

## Priority treatments.

See all →
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.

## 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.

## Leading specialists

Doctors trained at centres of excellence across Europe and the United States, experts in each neurosurgical subspecialty.

_Medical, nursing and coordination team · Brain & Spine Barcelona_

### 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."

View profile
Meet the full team →

## Stories that drive us

5,0
Average rating on Google · 11 reviews
Real stories from patients who trusted the team. Testimonials anonymised with consent.

"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."

"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."

"I travelled from outside Spain. The team reviewed my case before I came and gave me a clear plan. Warm care and flawless technique."

## 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

C/ Balmes 271 · Barcelona
★ Operating theatre

### Barnaclínic+

Barcelona
Consultations

### Clínica Olivé Gumà

Barcelona
Consultations

### Centro Médico Aribau

Barcelona
Consultations

### Espacio de Salud DKV

Barcelona

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.
