Doctor, what do you consider to be the most significant advancement in neurosurgery in recent years, and how has it impacted your daily practice?
While is difficult to single out just one, in recent years technology has transformed the field of neurosurgery through several advancements. Today I operate with microscope of high resolution. The have incorporated many additional functions such as neuronavigation, exoscope for better visualization in depth of small surgical openings, the use of fluorescine for better visualization of the tumoral mass and the technology continue to offer new advanced functions. . The Augmented reality has been of a great help to navigate through surgical procedures of brain and spine with high precision and greater results facilitating surgical procedures. The use of endoscopy in spinal procedures has been transforming spinal surgeries with smaller incisions and faster recovery. Use of robotics in our surgical procedures is transforming our spinal surgeries.
As the Director of the Neurosurgery Department, what are the main challenges you face when managing complex cases?
To make sure the preoperative planning is correct for every patient. I make sure myself and the team is well prepared for everything to secure patient safety. It is important that the team is well prepared for the surgical procedure, and the coordination of the team members is efficient. Surgery requires all the steps to be planned and executed with precision from every team member from the beginning to the end of every surgical procedure. It is my obligation to make sure every detail that I mentioned above is performed meticulously.
Could you share an experience or case that marked a turning point in your medical career?
It is not easy to point one out because there several cases that had made an impact in my professional maturity. Every single case is special and as a surgeon I have seen myself growing after each case. I would like to mention operating on my first cousin for a brain tumor was challenging because of the emotional pressure before the operation (operation went very well), also I have realized the pressure of media when I operated in emergency to save the life of a police officer while it was on breaking news and all his colleagues were outside waiting and praying. I learned to be professional in every situation regardless the emotional component.
What innovative technologies or procedures are you currently incorporating into your surgical work?
In my practice I am incorporating the endoscopic minimal invasive spinal surgery, augmented reality in the operating room. Ai is part of the office consultation. I am in open to learn and introduce the new advancement.
From your perspective, how has the treatment of neurological diseases evolved over the last decade?
In the last decades has been great improvements on diagnosis and treatment of neurosurgical disease. Several advancements in technology as I mention above with accurate diagnosis with MRI 1,5 3 T, advancement in the operating room with high precision procedures grace of advancements in technology. Other advancements in brain and spine tumors as well with radiosurgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The spinal surgery with minimal invasive procedures achieves accurate surgery with excellent results.
How important are continuous training and research in your specialty?
As we mention the advancement in technology and treatments require continues training with newest advancements. I have done extensive research in neuroscience in my past and i believe research is very important to reach new frontiers in neuroscience. I love research. I have dedicated time to brain repair and traumatic brain injury. I believe research open the door to new frontiers, to understand treat neurological diseases.
As an internationally recognized figure, how do you balance your clinical work with your institutional and academic responsibilities?
Time is the most precious asset to find that balance. I think when you do things with passion you find the time and the way to fulfil the balance of the components you mention.
What role does neurosurgery play in improving patients’ quality of life, and what advancements do you foresee in the near future?
As a neurosurgeon I believe that our surgeries not only savepatients life but also improve our patient’s quality of life. Patient with traumatic brain injuries, hydrocephalus, tumors, stroke, brain aneurysms, brain hemorrhage, degenerative disease of the spine, pain, Parkinson epilepsy. In every aspect our procedures when are done correctly with the right indication are with great results for our patients.
What advice would you give to the new generation of doctors interested in neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a lifetime commitment and requires passion dedication discipline. Always do your best for your patients.
