Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine and nervous system — including brain tumors, blood-vessel problems such as aneurysms, and certain functional disorders. Modern neurosurgery uses microsurgical, image-guided and minimally invasive techniques to operate as precisely and safely as possible while protecting healthy tissue.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Neurosurgery treats a wide range of conditions — brain tumors (benign and malignant), aneurysms and other vascular abnormalities, hydrocephalus, and some spinal and functional disorders. The brain and spinal cord are delicate, so neurosurgeons rely on operating microscopes, intraoperative imaging and navigation, and neuro-monitoring to work with great precision and protect surrounding tissue.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons plan care together, so medical, surgical and radiosurgical options (such as Gamma Knife for certain lesions) are weighed jointly. 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. Our specialists can review brain or spine MRI and CT imaging remotely first, so you have an expert opinion before deciding on treatment or travel.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a brain tumor — benign or malignant — that may need surgery
- Patients with an aneurysm or other blood-vessel abnormality in the brain
- Those with conditions such as hydrocephalus or certain functional disorders
- People with brain or spinal lesions where surgery offers a clear benefit
- Patients seeking a second opinion comparing surgery with radiosurgery or other options
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and planning
Detailed MRI or CT imaging defines the lesion and its relationship to vital structures. Neurologists and neurosurgeons agree the safest, most effective approach with you.
- 2
Preparation
Your team prepares you for anesthesia and explains the operation, the expected recovery and any rehabilitation. Image-guidance and navigation are set up for precision.
- 3
The operation
Using an operating microscope, image guidance and neuro-monitoring, the surgeon removes or treats the lesion as precisely as possible while protecting healthy tissue.
- 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, rehabilitation supports recovery of function. 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
- Image guidance and microsurgery allow great precision and protect healthy tissue
- Minimally invasive approaches, where suitable, reduce disruption and aid recovery
- Joint neurology–neurosurgery planning weighs surgery against radiosurgery 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 in the early recovery period
- A recovery of weeks to months, sometimes with rehabilitation
- In some cases, incomplete removal or the need for further treatment
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Neurosurgery — frequently asked questions
It treats brain tumors (benign and malignant), aneurysms and other vascular abnormalities, hydrocephalus, and certain spinal and functional disorders — using precise, image-guided techniques.
Yes. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons plan care jointly, so medical, surgical and radiosurgical options (such as Gamma Knife for certain lesions) are weighed together for each patient.
Not always. For some lesions, radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife) or close monitoring may be appropriate. The team chooses the safest effective option for your specific case, and a second opinion can clarify it.
Yes. Send your MRI or CT and reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion before you decide on treatment or travel.
Brain 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 neurosurgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.