Neuro Surgery in Pune | Deccan Hardikar Hospital

What is Neurosurgery and is it available at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune?

Neurosurgery is the surgical diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. It is indicated for conditions such as brain tumours, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, aneurysms, traumatic brain injuries, and epilepsy. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune offers comprehensive neurosurgery services at its Shivajinagar campus, supported by a NABH Pre-Accredited environment and a dedicated neurosurgical team.

Our Neuro Science department integrates neurology and neurosurgery under one roof, enabling seamless diagnosis-to-surgery care pathways.

Who needs Neurosurgery? Symptoms and conditions that may require surgical intervention

A neurosurgeon's evaluation is recommended when conservative or medical management has not resolved the underlying condition, or when the condition is acute and life-threatening. Common indications include:

• Brain tumours — benign or malignant growths causing headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits
• Spinal disc herniation — severe radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs unresponsive to physiotherapy
• Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal causing chronic pain and difficulty walking
• Cerebral aneurysm or AVM — vascular abnormalities at risk of rupture or causing neurological symptoms
• Traumatic brain or spinal cord injury — following accidents or falls requiring urgent decompression
• Epilepsy — seizure disorders not controlled by medication
• Hydrocephalus — abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
• Nerve compression syndromes — such as carpal tunnel syndrome causing persistent pain or weakness
• Congenital anomalies — including spina bifida and other structural defects present from birth
• Movement disorders — such as Parkinson's disease requiring functional neurosurgical intervention

How is Neurosurgery performed at Deccan Hardikar Hospital?

The neurosurgical pathway at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune follows a structured pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative protocol to maximise precision and patient safety.

1. Initial Consultation and Neurological Assessment — The neurosurgeon reviews clinical history, performs a neurological examination, and orders relevant imaging (MRI, CT scan, or angiography) to confirm the diagnosis and surgical indication.
2. Pre-operative Planning — Neuro-navigation or image-guided surgery mapping is used where applicable, allowing the surgical team to plan the safest approach and minimise disruption to healthy tissue. Anaesthesia fitness and pre-operative investigations are completed.
3. Anaesthesia and Patient Positioning — The patient is placed under general anaesthesia. Positioning is determined by the surgical site (cranial, cervical, thoracic, or lumbar).
4. Surgical Intervention — Depending on the condition, the procedure may involve open craniotomy, minimally invasive endoscopic access, or stereotactic radiosurgery. The surgeon uses intra-operative imaging and neuro-navigation to guide resection, decompression, or repair with precision.
5. Closure and Haemostasis — The surgical site is closed in layers. Drains may be placed where clinically indicated. Intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring may be used to protect critical neural structures throughout.
6. Recovery Room and ICU Monitoring — Post-operatively, patients are transferred to the ICU or high-dependency unit for close neurological monitoring, pain management, and early detection of complications.
7. Ward Transfer and Rehabilitation Initiation — Once stable, patients are moved to the ward. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy is initiated as appropriate to the procedure performed.

What types and approaches of Neurosurgery are offered at Deccan Hardikar Hospital?

Modern neurosurgery encompasses several subspecialties and surgical techniques. The following approaches are available within the neurosurgery programme at Deccan Hardikar Hospital:

What does recovery after Neurosurgery involve, and what are the expected timelines?

Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the type of neurosurgical procedure, the patient's age, and the underlying condition. The following milestones represent a general post-operative pathway:

1. Immediate post-operative period (Day 0–2): Patient is monitored in the ICU or high-dependency unit. Neurological observations, pain management, and fluid balance are closely managed. Mobilisation begins as soon as clinically safe.
2. Early ward phase (Day 2–5): Transfer to the neurosurgery ward. Wound assessment, removal of drains if placed, and initiation of physiotherapy or rehabilitation as appropriate.
3. Hospital discharge (Day 3–7 for minimally invasive procedures; longer for complex cranial or spinal surgery): Discharge planning includes wound care instructions, medication review, and outpatient follow-up scheduling.
4. First outpatient review (Week 1–2): Suture or staple removal, neurological assessment, and imaging review if indicated.
5. Rehabilitation phase (Weeks 2–12): Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy continues based on the procedure. Return to light activity is guided by the surgical team.
6. Full functional recovery (3–6 months for major procedures): Most patients undergoing spine or cranial surgery achieve functional recovery within three to six months. Complex cases may require longer rehabilitation. Regular follow-up with the neurosurgical team is essential throughout.

What are the risks and considerations associated with Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery, like all surgical procedures, carries inherent risks. Patients are counselled thoroughly before any procedure. Clinically recognised risks include:

• Infection — including wound infection or, rarely, meningitis or brain abscess
• Bleeding and haematoma — intra-operative or post-operative haemorrhage requiring further intervention
• Neurological deficit — temporary or permanent weakness, sensory loss, or speech difficulty depending on the surgical site
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak — may require additional management
• Anaesthesia-related risks — including adverse reactions, particularly in patients with comorbidities
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism — risk is mitigated by early mobilisation and prophylactic measures
• Seizures — may occur following cranial surgery; managed with anti-epileptic medication
• Incomplete tumour or lesion removal — in some cases, complete resection is not possible without unacceptable neurological risk
• Recurrence — certain conditions such as tumours or AVMs may recur and require further treatment

The neurosurgical team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital discusses individual risk profiles with each patient prior to surgery, ensuring fully informed consent.

Who are the Neurosurgery specialists at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune?

The neurosurgery and neuro science team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital, Shivajinagar, Pune comprises qualified specialists across neurosurgery and neurology:

• Dr. Rohan Shah — MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neuro Surgery). Specialist in neurosurgical procedures including brain and spine surgery.
• Dr. Drishti Khatri — MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Neurology). Neurologist supporting pre- and post-operative neurological care and management of complex nerve disorders.
• Dr. Abhinandan Magdum — MD. General Physician contributing to multidisciplinary assessment and perioperative management.

For appointments or to discuss your case with a member of the neurosurgical team, use the booking form on this page.

You may also explore our neuro care services for a full overview of neurological and neurosurgical treatments available at the hospital.