Conditions & procedures
The most common neurosurgery procedures, explained
Lumbar microdiscectomy, ACDF, laminectomy, craniotomy for tumour, VP shunt, chronic subdural drainage — these make up the bulk of practice.
On the spinal side, the most common operations are: lumbar microdiscectomy (removing a herniated disc pressing on a nerve), anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF for a neck disc), and decompressive laminectomy (opening up a narrow spinal canal, usually in older patients with lumbar stenosis).
On the cranial side, the most common are: craniotomy for tumour resection, evacuation of a chronic or acute subdural haematoma (often in elderly patients after a fall), insertion of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for hydrocephalus, and clipping or coiling of aneurysms in specialised centres.
Trauma cases — decompressive craniectomy, spinal fixation after fractures — are less common in elective practice but common in hospital call.
Every one of these procedures has its own page on this site with a plain-language explanation of who it is for, how it is done, and what recovery looks like. Start there if a specific operation has been suggested for you.
Important
This article is general information from Dr Ian Human's practice and is not a substitute for an in-person consultation. If any of it applies to you, please book a consultation so we can look at your specific situation.
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Request an appointmentRelated questions
- Conditions & procedures
Do neurosurgeons remove brain tumours?
Yes — brain tumour surgery is one of the core areas of neurosurgical practice, and modern techniques make it far safer than most people fear.
Read - Conditions & procedures
What conditions do neurosurgeons treat?
Neurosurgery covers the brain, spine and peripheral nerves — from ruptured discs to aneurysms, tumours and hydrocephalus.
Read - Conditions & procedures
Can neurosurgeons treat spine problems?
Spinal surgery is roughly half of most neurosurgical practices — from microdiscectomy and decompression to fusion for instability and tumours.
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