Brain & Spine Surgery
Brain and spine surgery is the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the brain, skull base, spinal cord and the nerves around them — including tumors, vascular lesions, and compression of nerve tissue. Modern techniques use the operating microscope, neuro-navigation and intraoperative monitoring to treat the lesion precisely while protecting the delicate structures that control movement, sensation and thought.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Brain and spine surgery covers a broad range of conditions — brain tumors (benign and malignant), skull-base lesions, blood-vessel abnormalities such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, hydrocephalus, and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Because the brain and spinal cord are delicate and cannot regenerate, surgeons work under an operating microscope with neuro-navigation, intraoperative imaging and continuous neuro-monitoring to operate as precisely and safely as possible.
Care is planned jointly by neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-radiologists and, where relevant, radiation specialists, so that surgical, medical and stereotactic options are weighed together. For many conditions the team chooses the least invasive effective approach, and a dedicated neuro-intensive-care unit supports recovery after major surgery.
International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including the expected stay and any rehabilitation. Our specialists can review brain and spine MRI and CT imaging remotely first, so you have an expert opinion before deciding on treatment or making the journey.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a brain or skull-base tumor — benign or malignant — that may need surgery
- Patients with an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation or other vascular abnormality
- Those with spinal-cord or nerve-root compression causing pain, weakness or numbness
- People with conditions such as hydrocephalus or certain functional disorders
- Patients seeking a second opinion comparing surgery with stereotactic treatment options or close monitoring
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and planning
Detailed MRI or CT imaging defines the lesion and its relationship to vital structures. Neurosurgeons and neurologists agree the safest, most effective approach with you, including whether a stereotactic option may be an alternative.
- 2
Preparation
Your team prepares you for anesthesia and explains the operation, the expected recovery and any rehabilitation. Neuro-navigation and monitoring are set up so the surgeon can work with great precision.
- 3
The operation
Using an operating microscope, image guidance and neuro-monitoring, the surgeon removes or treats the lesion while protecting healthy tissue. For some brain tumors near speech or movement areas, awake surgery allows function to be checked during the operation.
- 4
Neuro-intensive care
You recover first in a dedicated neuro-intensive-care unit where neurological function, pressure and circulation are monitored closely, then move to a ward as you stabilize.
- 5
Rehabilitation and follow-up
Depending on the procedure, physiotherapy and neuro-rehabilitation support the recovery of strength, movement and speech. International patients receive a follow-up plan and can be supported remotely after returning home.
Benefits
- Can remove or treat brain and spinal lesions that threaten function or life
- Microsurgery, navigation and monitoring allow precise treatment with protection of healthy tissue
- Awake brain surgery, where suitable, helps preserve speech and movement
- Joint neurosurgery–neurology planning weighs surgery against stereotactic and other options
- A dedicated neuro-intensive-care team supports safe recovery after major surgery
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia, as with any major surgery
- Neurological effects depending on the lesion's location, which the team works to minimize
- Swelling or fluid changes in the brain or spinal cord in the early recovery period
- A recovery of weeks to months, sometimes requiring rehabilitation
- In some cases, incomplete removal or the need for further treatment
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Brain & Spine Surgery — frequently asked questions
It treats brain and skull-base tumors, vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms and AVMs, hydrocephalus, and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots — using precise, image-guided microsurgical techniques.
Not always. For some lesions, stereotactic treatment options, minimally invasive approaches or close monitoring may be appropriate. Neurosurgeons and radiation specialists decide together which option is safest and most effective for your case.
For tumors near the areas that control speech or movement, the surgeon may keep you awake and comfortable for part of the operation so these functions can be tested in real time, helping to preserve them. Your team explains whether this applies to you.
Yes. Send your MRI or CT and reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion on whether surgery is appropriate and what alternatives exist, before you commit to travel.
Brain or spine surgery typically means several nights in hospital plus recovery time before flying — your coordinator confirms how long to plan for. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your imaging rather than a fixed online price, because each case is different.
Related treatments
Considering brain & spine surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.