Neurosurgery

Apollo hospitals have evolved as an integrated healthcare delivery system and thus making Apollo an ideal healthcare destination for patients. Treatment techniques at Apollo are one of the best in the world and as compared to the western countries they are very cost effective. Taking appointments with our surgeons do not take more than a couple of days. Prompt and early starting of treatment is another important factor at Apollo hospitals.

The Apollo hospital at New Delhi is the first hospital to get accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI).The JCI accreditation signifies that Apollo is the trusted and Internationally acclaimed name in the field of healthcare.

The Neurosurgeons at Apollo are one of the best medical practitioners in the world. The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences has been set up as a part of Dr Reddy's vision of World Class Health care facilities in India and to fulfill the aims of excellence in neurological health care.

Nuerosurgery is a discipline of surgery, which provides the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system diseases amenable to mechanical intervention.

The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences is equipped with facilities at par with the best in the world. The most modern technology and equipments are provided to cover the entire range of neurological diseases. About 1000 major neurosurgical operations are being carried out every year. Transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor, spinal fusions for congenital and traumatic (CT scan & MRI for locating the target for functional neurosurgery) and intra-operative monitoring for different kinds of surgery are all being done on a routine basis.

Today the goal and treatment have shifted and it is no longer enough to save life but preserving of all functions, cosmoses and reducing pain, shorter hospital stay and avoiding discomfort is also equally important. Neurosurgery has undergone a sea change since the days of Harvey Cushing. The development of bipolar cautery, the use of the surgical microscope and the availability of the ultrasonic surgical aspirator have decreased morbidity and mortality. Advances in neuroanaesthesia, nuerosurgical intensive care and neuro-imaging technology have played a significant role. We are now in the age of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery.

Facilities available at Apollo Hospitals :

1. Dedicated Neurosurgical and Neuro Anesthesia Team

At Apollo, the department of neurosurgery consists of five full time, one part time and several visiting Senior Consultant Neurosurgeons, each with their own associate consultants. To run the anesthesia services there are four dedicated neuroanaesthesiologists to run the anesthesia services and two operating theatres with nursing staff and eleven-bedded dedicated neurosurgical intensive care unit. An expert specially trained for intra-operative monitoring is carrying out intra-operative electro physiological monitoring for spinal surgery, functional surgery and posterior fossa surgery.

2. Diagnostics

All routine X-rays and ultrasound investigations are carried out at the diagnostics department. It is fully complete with facilities for Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Angiography. The department of Radiology consists of thirteen senior consultants, Associate consultants, Junior Consultants, Registrars and Sonologists.

3. Operating Rooms

Equipped for all types of neurosurgical operations there are two neurological theatres that are ultra modern. Both theatres have a laminar airflow system and are equipped with the latest ceiling mounted microscope with in-built still photography and video recording facilities. One of them also is capable with the optical tracking system (OTS). OTS allows the monitoring of the progress of surgery in real time. Residual tumors, haemorrhage etc. can all be visualized.

4. The Intensive Care Unit

To effectively manage complicated neurosurgical and neurological patients, modern eleven-bedded facility is equipped with the latest Modular invasive monitoring system (HP) and advanced life support equipment. The nursing ratio is one to one. All associated specialists like respiratory physicians, nephrologists and endocrinologists are available round the clock.

5. Specialized Equipments

  1. Computer Assisted Neurosurgery : The Apollo hospital was the first centre in North East Asia to have computer assisted Neurosurgery. At the Apollo Institute of Neurosciences Surgeons are now using an operating computer with an accuracy of 1mm in which images of the patient's brain can be directly transferred from the MRI or CT Scan to the Operating Theatres at Operating Table. The surgeon can retrieve the images previously taken and can join the probe to different parts of the brain. This is of great help not only in locating difficult tumors, but also in avoiding critical structures and ensuring completeness of excision. Surgery for abnormal movements, epilepsy and small deep malformation is being done.
  2. Dedicated X-knife : X-knife has an added advantage of being used for fractioned treatment (stereotactic Radiotherapy-SRT) for benign and malignant tumors not suitable for SRS. This dedicated X-knife at Apollo is the first one outside the United States.
  3. Microsurgical Instrumentation : To carry out full range of microsurgery for cranial as well as spinal surgery two complete set of Microsurgical instruments are available for all Surgeons.
  4. Interventional Neuro Radiology : Interventional Neuro Radiology has biplane rotational angio facilities and is being utilized for embolisation of arteriovenous malformation, treatment of giant aneurysms by proximal occlusion and endovascular packing using GDC system. A separate Department and a separate machine is available for this crucial area. The development of such a centre was a priority of this hospital. . Thrombolysis by injection of Urokinase directly into thrombus in the specific artery in the treatment of brain attack is being done. Angioplasty and stenting is being done to prevent stroke. Vascular lesions such as dural AV malformations, carotid-cavernous fistula hemangiomas of the head and neck, vascular tumors are all being treated. More than 150 therapeutic and 300 diagnostic procedures are being done annually.
  5. Frame Based Stereotaxy : The Apollo Hospital of Neurosciences is one of the first hospitals to have this kind of complete technology in this part of the world. In this hospital the Radionics CRW System is complete with full range of accessories to include the ability to carry out Frame Based Stereotactic Surgery including Craniotomies. Equipment is also available to generate RF lesions and has been used successfully for functional neurosurgery procedures like pallidotomy and thalamotomy for treatment of movement disorders and Parkinsons disease. Image guided Frameless stereotaxy allows safe surgery in eloquent areas.
  6. Neuroendoscopy : In the treatment of hydrocephalus, drainage of brain abscesses and cysts, equipment for minimally invasive endoscopic removal of certain tumors, third ventriculostomy is used routinely.
  7. Spinal Instrumentation : For stabilizing the spine using material a complete range of spinal instrumentation is available. These are used in cases of spinal instability from spinal injuries, Tuberculosis and tumors. This allows early ambulation, facilitates rehabilitation and early discharge from hospital.