More than Brain Surgery

Dr. TSANG Chun Pong

Specialist in Neurosurgery

Most people may only think of brain surgery when they hear the word “neurosurgery”.  It is true that brain surgery accounts for a majority of our cases, but it is only a part of the full picture. As a well-established specialty, neurosurgery can also provide treatment through other means, especially neuro-interventional therapy.

Neuro-interventional therapy is similar to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) . To reach the target area and achieve therapeutic effects, under X-ray monitoring a catheter is inserted into the blood vessels through an opening no bigger than a needle hole. Examples include blocking the aneurysm with metal coils to prevent bleeding, and expanding narrowed blood vessel by stent implantation, which increase blood supply to the brain and reduce risk of stroke. In recent years, special stents or catheters have been developed to treat acute ischaemic stroke by removing thrombus and restoring blood flow to the brain.

Compared with conventional craniotomy, neuro-interventional therapy is less invasive and can achieve faster recovery. It also requires no open surgery, thereby sparing patients from wound discomfort.

While neuro-interventional therapy has made great leaps in technology and equipment, the traditional craniotomy is still preferred for certain conditions. In fact, both treatments can complement each other. And doctors will decide on the best treatment option in the best interest of patients.