Neurosurgery in Aberdeen

Patients visiting Albyn with neurosurgical pathologies can expect the consultation to involve the appropriate diagnostic tests, which may include:

• An MRI scan
• A CT scan
• X-rays.

Other specialist tests may be needed to diagnose the condition, and this will be discussed with you at the consultation. 

A patient’s health and wellbeing are of greatest importance to us; the neurosurgical team will talk them through a tailored treatment plan to give them complete reassurance that they will receive the best possible treatment outcome.

Minimally invasive keyhole surgery is offered for most conditions affecting the spine such as: 

Cervical foraminotomies - an operation to relieve pressure on one or more spinal nerves. It is carried out on the back of the neck and involves removing a small portion of bone which overlaps the spinal nerve, as well as removing any soft tissue which may also be causing compression. 

Spinal fusion surgery - treats debilitating pain in your lumbar (lower) spine. It involves fusing together two or more of your vertebrae (the bones that form your spinal cord) using a bone graft.

Lumbar spinal decompression surgery - often performed to treat compressed nerves caused spinal stenosis. During this procedure, the muscles in your back will be raised to expose your spine. Surgical instruments will then be inserted through incisions made in your back to remove any tissue (bone or ligaments) at the back of your spine that could be compressing your nerves.

Patients normally require only one overnight stay and they return back to their normal daily activities and work duties within 2 to 4 weeks in most occasions. Many conditions are managed in a day case setting.  

Surgery for brain conditions is currently not offered however we are to assess and diagnose. Patients requiring brain surgery are transferred to a NHS facility for surgical treatment and this will be discussed at the consultation. 

Patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain syndrome and do not require surgery, will be offered specialist treatment from our Physiotherapy and Pain Management Teams.

• Expert assessment from an experienced consultant. You will see the same same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
• A multidisciplinary clinic. Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals such as nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures you will receive support and treatment from the most appropriate specialist throughout your time with us.
• Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities include Xray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.  These diagnostic imaging procedures can all be easily arranged if required. Our Radiologists work closely with our consultants to provide an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
• Access to various clinics for further advice and treatment – patients may also be directed to other departments for further advice and treatment, including physiotherapy, pain clinic, psychology, and other professionals as directed by the consultant.
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
• Fixed-price surgery packages.
• You can book an initial consultation online with most of our consultants.
• *97.0% of patients said their overall experience of our service was good or very good.

^{*During the period of January to December 2023 Albyn Hospital received 2,170 completed Inpatient/Day Case patient surveys.}

If you would like to make an appointment with our Consultant Neurosurgeon here at Albyn Hospital, simply call our friendly team on 01224 595993

You can also book an initial appointment by using our handy online booking system