Introduction

Major technological advances have occurred to assist neurosurgeons improve diagnosis and surgical outcomes. This page summarises some of the important technological advancements that have been incorporated into our practice of neurosurgery. Diagnosis is becoming increasingly accurate with the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), advanced multi-slice Computer Tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional Spin Angiography.

Surgery is becoming less invasive as minimal access techniques are developed. The potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery are smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, enhanced visualisation and illumination, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. When performing intracranial surgery, neuro-navigation systems assist us to accurately localise and identify lesions through smaller openings. Major advances in spinal surgery have been made in recent years. Motion preservation is now becoming an increasingly important aspect of our treatment for spinal conditions. Artificial disc replacement allows the spine to move normally at motion segments where surgery has been carried out. Spinal normalisation implants such as the Wallis and DIAM implants stabilise the spine but do not prevent movement, again improving outcomes and offering long term benefit by avoiding wear on motion segments adjacent to where surgery has been carried out.

Other important advances include biomodelling technology which allows the accurate replication of anatomical structures as exact plastic models which can be used by surgeons to plan surgery, navigate during surgery, and prepare customised prosthetic implants. Neuro-endoscopy allows keyhole surgery to be performed within the brain. Neural stimulation is beneficial in the management of pain and movement disorder conditions. Many procedures are now performed with the assistance of a powerful microscope that improves illumination and allows surgery to be performed through small openings as well as improving patient safety and outcomes. Radio-surgical techniques allow non-invasive treatment of brain tumours and arterio-venous malformations. Please browse through this section to obtain a better understanding of the most advanced technologies that Mr. D'Urso routinely uses in his practice of neurosurgery.