Life Robinson Private Hospital proudly expanded its medical services to include neurosurgery, and recently the highly skilled neurosurgical team performed the hospital’s first two craniotomy procedures.
The newly introduced specialty to the hospital allows patients in the Randfontein and surrounding community with various conditions related to the brain, spine and nervous system to undergo both surgical and nonsurgical treatments locally.
The hospital welcomed neurosurgeon, Dr Arnold Louw to lead this specialty with the support of Life Robinson Private Hospital’s experienced theatre and nursing team, dedicated to restoring or improving a patient’s quality of life.
Dr Louw explained that a craniotomy usually is performed to treat aneurysms and remove brain tumours.
It involves temporarily removing the bone flap, which is a bone from the skull. Removing the bone exposes the brain and enables the surgeon to make necessary repairs to the brain. After these repairs are done, the bone flap is reattached.”
Due to the delicate nature of a craniotomy, and depending on the patient’s diagnosis, the neurosurgical team consisting of the neurosurgeon, anaesthetist and theatre nursing practitioners can spend between four to six hours in theatre to perform the procedure.
While neurosurgeons can perform complex surgeries of the spine and brain, they often suggest non-surgical or conservative care first. This could include managing chronic back pain with anti-inflammatory drugs and/ or physiotherapy. If the pain doesn’t respond to these treatments, the neurosurgeon may recommend surgery.
“We continuously consider our communities’ needs, and how we can best serve them by providing quality care and clinical excellence.
We noticed an increasing need for local neurosurgical services and our management committee felt that offering this speciality at Life Robinson Private Hospital would mean that patients from the Randfontein and surrounding communities could benefit from accessing treatment that was convenient and close to home.
“We are excited about welcoming Dr Louw to our team of specialists who will be supported by our experienced nursing and theatre team. Dr Louw has a passion for improving patients’ health and strives for neurosurgical excellence through his patients’ treatment,” said Hospital manager: Dr Marinda Overbeek.
Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat various conditions related to the brain, spine and nervous system. These conditions include, but are not limited to, strokes, brain tumours, epilepsy and seizures, lower back pain and head injuries. Patients referred to a neurosurgeon will usually undergo a comprehensive neurosurgical examination and detailed diagnostic imaging, and their symptoms and medical history will be reviewed to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
“Once we have a diagnosis we will determine and discuss the best treatment options for you, whether nonsurgical or surgical treatment or a combination of both. In some cases, we may also work with other specialists if the patient has any other conditions that need to be managed or treated,” added Dr Louw.
For more information about neurosurgical services contact Life Robinson Private Hospital on 011 278 8700 or email enquiries.robinson@lifehealthcare.co.za
