TOP-5 Best Neurosurgery Clinics in Spain and Italy in 2024

In 2024, Spain and Italy continue to lead in the field of neurosurgery, offering patients unique opportunities for the treatment of complex brain and nervous system diseases. These countries are well-known for their highly qualified specialists. Clinics in Spain and Italy actively implement advanced technologies that provide minimally invasive and highly effective treatment approaches. Every year, the best clinics in both countries perform more than 10,000 neurosurgical operations, including the treatment of brain tumors, epilepsy, vascular anomalies and complex traumatic brain injuries.

According to the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), Spain and Italy are among the TOP-5 European countries in terms of the number of high-tech neurosurgical operations performed per capita, which indicates the vast experience of local doctors in the field of neurosurgery.

In the neurosurgical clinics of Spain and Italy, doctors pay great attention not only to the effectiveness of treatment, but also to the quality of rehabilitation programs. This plays a key role in the successful recovery of patients. According to statistics, about 80% of patients who have undergone brain tumor removal surgery in Spanish and Italian medical centers fully return to normal life within a year.

The MedTour team has compiled for you a list of the TOP-5 best neurosurgery clinics in Spain and Italy, each of which has earned international recognition thanks to advanced treatment methods, highly qualified staff, and successful clinical results.

Affordable prices for neurosurgery procedures in Italy and Spain in 2024

Below are indicative prices for neurosurgical procedures at San Raffaele, Teknon, HM Hospitals, Sant Joan de Déu, and Quiron Hospital. The prices are listed in US dollars and may vary depending on the patient’s specific medical situation.

Medical procedure	San Raffaele	Teknon	HM Hospitals	Sant Joan de Deu	Quiron Hospital
Brain tumor removal	21,400 – 32,100	21,400 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	26,750 – 37,450	21,400 – 32,100
Microsurgical treatment of brain aneurysm	19,260 – 26,750	20,000 – 28,000	19,260 – 26,750	22,000 – 30,000	19,260 – 26,750
Surgery for glioma	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	28,000 – 37,450	23,540 – 32,100
Epilepsy surgery	16,050 – 26,750	16,050 – 26,750	16,050 – 26,750	20,000 – 30,000	16,050 – 26,750
Treatment of hydrocephalus (shunt procedure)	12,840 – 19,260	12,840 – 19,260	12,840 – 19,260	13,000 – 19,260	12,840 – 19,260
Neuroendoscopic surgery	10,700 – 16,050	10,700 – 16,050	10,700 – 16,050	13,000 – 19,000	10,700 – 16,050
Surgical treatment of craniofacial anomalies	19,260 – 29,960	19,260 – 29,960	19,260 – 29,960	22,000 – 32,000	19,260 – 29,960
Spine surgery (herniated disc)	12,840 – 21,400	12,840 – 21,400	12,840 – 21,400	16,000 – 24,000	12,840 – 21,400
Spinal cord surgery (tumors)	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	28,000 – 40,000	23,540 – 32,100
Surgery for pituitary tumors	21,400 – 28,890	21,400 – 28,890	21,400 – 28,890	24,000 – 32,000	21,400 – 28,890
Minimally invasive spine surgery	16,050 – 23,540	16,050 – 23,540	16,050 – 23,540	18,000 – 25,000	16,050 – 23,540
Meningioma removal surgery	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	23,540 – 32,100	26,000 – 35,000	23,540 – 32,100
Treatment of vascular malformations	19,260 – 26,750	19,260 – 26,750	19,260 – 26,750	22,000 – 30,000	19,260 – 26,750
Arnold-Chiari Malformation Surgery	17,120 – 23,540	17,120 – 23,540	17,120 – 23,540	19,000 – 26,000	17,120 – 23,540

Please note that prices for neurosurgical treatment may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the technologies used and the level of medical support. To find out the exact cost of the procedure, please call us or fill out the feedback form below. A MedTour medical coordinator will contact you shortly and provide all the necessary information.

TOP-5 Best Neurosurgery Clinics in Spain and Italy in 2024

San Raffaele Hospital (Ospedale San Raffaele)

San Raffaele Hospital in Milan is one of the leading medical institutions in Italy, specializing in neurosurgery. One of the undoubted advantages of the clinic is the use of high-tech equipment in complex neurosurgical operations, such as removal of brain tumors, aneurysms, and epilepsy surgery.

The neurosurgeons at San Raffaele Clinic use innovative treatment methods, such as radiosurgery using Gamma Knife, which minimizes risks and reduces patient recovery period. The clinic also performs complex neuroendovascular procedures that help avoid excessive tissue trauma. It is important to note that San Rafael is part of a network of research and academic centers. This gives patients access to the latest advances in the treatment of neurological diseases.

Teknon Medical Center (Hospital Quirónsalud Teknon)

Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona is a ​​part of the Quirónsalud network and is known for its multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of CNS diseases. One of the main advantages of the medical center is the use of modern technologies for neurosurgical operations, such as intraoperative MRI and navigation systems. These allow surgeons to perform complex interventions on the brain and spinal cord with millimeter accuracy.

Teknon neurosurgeons also actively use minimally invasive neurosurgery methods, which reduce the patient’s rehabilitation period and minimize postoperative risks. The Neuroscience Centre at the Teknon Medical Centre has received international recognition. More than 6,000 operations are performed in the clinic annually. The clinic’s patients can be assured of comprehensive support at every stage of treatment, ​​from diagnosis to recovery.

HM Hospitals

HM Hospitals is one of the largest private healthcare networks in Spain and offers cutting-edge technologies for the treatment of complex neurosurgical diseases. Doctors successfully treat brain tumors, vascular malformations, and spinal cord injuries. One of the main advantages of the HM hospitals network is its close cooperation with university research centers and institutes, which allows the clinics to stay at the forefront of medical innovation.

The department of neurosurgery of the network is known for its achievements in pediatric neurosurgery and spinal cord surgery. The use of robotic technologies and 3D modeling systems makes surgeries as safe as possible, while diagnostics are performed using the latest imaging methods, such as functional MRI and PET-CT.

Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital

Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital in Barcelona is one of the best children’s hospitals in Europe, specializing in pediatric neurosurgery. The doctors at the clinic annually perform more than 400 brain and spinal cord surgeries on children suffering from epilepsy, tumors, congenital anomalies and injuries. An important advantage of the medical center is the use of the latest technologies, such as intraoperative neuromonitoring, which allows surgeons to control the function of the nervous system in real time.

Sant Joan de Déu Clinic actively collaborates with international medical institutions and is a leader in Europe in the treatment of rare and complex diseases in children, such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and craniofacial anomalies. Specialists apply innovative approaches, including gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

Quirón Hospital

Quirón Hospital is a part of the Quirónsalud hospitals network, and is one the leading private hospitals in Spain, specializing in the treatment of neurological diseases. The clinic’s department of neurosurgery is known for its success in treating brain and spinal cord tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, and complex spinal injuries. The hospital uses CyberKnife and GammaKnife technologies for non-invasively treatment of tumors and vascular formations with minimal risk of damaging healthy tissue.

The clinic also conducts cutting-edge research in the field of functional neurosurgery, including the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders using neurostimulators. A major advantage of Quirón hospital is its 24/7 emergency stroke service, which allows for immediate response to critical conditions and saving patients’ lives.

TOP-5 Best Neurosurgeons in Spain and Italy

Pietro Mortini (San Raffaele)

Professor Pietro Mortini is an outstanding Italian neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience in brain and spinal cord tumor surgery. He is a leading specialist in neuro-oncology in Italy and an expert in radiosurgery. Dr. Mortini performs complex surgeries to remove tumors of the skull base and pituitary gland, as well as deep brain tumors. Under his leadership, the San Raffaele Clinic has become one of the leading neurosurgical centers in Europe, performing more than 500 operations annually

Gerardo Conesa Bertran (Teknon)

Dr. Gerardo Conesa Bertran is a leading neurosurgeon at Teknon Clinic, specializing in the treatment of brain tumors, epilepsy, and vascular malformations. He is a recognized expert in skull base surgery and one of the best surgeons in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Dr. Conesa actively uses modern methods of minimally invasive neurosurgery, such as radiosurgery and intraoperative navigation, which allows him to perform operations as accurately and safely as possible.

Dr. Santiago Gil-Robles Mathieu de Vienne (HM Hospitals Network)

Dr. Santiago Gil-Robles Mathieu de Vienne is one of Spain’s leading neurosurgeons. He is the head of the neurosurgery department at the HM Hospitals Network. The doctor specializes in the surgical treatment of epilepsy, brain tumors, and vascular malformations. Santiago Gil-Robles uses modern diagnostic and treatment methods, including neuronavigation and functional MRI, which makes his operations as safe and effective as possible. The doctor is actively involved in scientific research and applies the latest developments in the treatment of his patients.

Jorge Diamantopoulos Fernandez (HM Hospitals Network)

Dr. Jorge Diamantopoulos Fernandez is an experienced neurosurgeon with over 20 years of practice, specializing in the treatment of brain and spinal cord tumors, as well as spinal disorders. He is a leading specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery. At HM Hospital, Dr. Diamantopoulos heads the Spinal Surgery Department, where he actively implements robotic technologies and neuromodulation methods for the treatment of chronic pain and vertebro-neurological diseases. His treatment approach is based on personalized therapy for each patient, which makes him one of the most sought-after surgeons in Spain.

José Hinojosa Mena-Bernal (Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital)

Professor José Hinojosa Mena-Bernal is a leading neurosurgeon in Barcelona, ​​specializing in pediatric neurosurgery. He is the head of the Neurosurgery Department at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, considered one of the best children’s hospitals in Europe. Professor Hinojosa has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of complex nervous system diseases in children, such as congenital anomalies, brain tumors, epilepsy, and craniofacial disorders. One of his key areas of work is neonatal neurosurgery.

What diseases are treated in neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain?

Neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain offer treatment for a wide range of diseases affecting brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.

1. Brain and spinal cord tumors. One of the main areas of neurosurgery is the treatment of tumors, such as gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, neurinomas and other types of neoplasms. In this field Spanish and Italian neurosurgeons use a broad range of methods, from standard open surgery to high-precision radiosurgery using Gamma knife and CyberKnife systems.
2. Vascular disorders of the brain. Neurosurgeons in Italy and Spain successfully treat such diseases as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), and cavernous angiomas. Clinics use both traditional microsurgical techniques and endovascular approaches, where access to the affected vessels is achieved through small incisions.
3. Epilepsy resistant to drug therapy. Patients with epilepsy that do not respond to medication may undergo surgical treatment. Modern neurosurgical techniques allow to eliminate epileptogenic foci and reduce the severity of epilepsy symptoms.
4. Injuries and degenerative diseases of the spine. Surgical treatment of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal cord injuries is another important area. Clinics in Spain and Italy use both classical methods and minimally invasive approaches, which reduce the rehabilitation period.
5. Functional neurological disorder. Doctors treat diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia using the method of deep brain stimulation (DBS). This technology helps to reduce symptoms and improve motor activity of patients.
6. Hydrocephalus and congenital anomalies in children. Leading clinics, such as Sant Joan de Déu successfully treat hydrocephalus, Arnold-Chiari malformations, craniosynostosis, and other congenital disorders in children. The most modern technologies are used for this, including shunting and neuroendoscopic surgeries.
7. Neuralgia and chronic pain. Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, facial neuralgia, and chronic pain that does not respond to conservative therapy is another specialization of neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain. Methods such as surgical decompression or radiofrequency ablation are used in these cases.

Thanks to the use of advanced technologies, neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain provide treatment for complex diseases with a high degree of safety and success.

What modern treatment methods are used in neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain?

Neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain are renowned for using innovative treatment methods that minimize risks for patients and improve the effectiveness of complex surgeries. Here are several main areas where the most modern methods are used:

Radiosurgery: Gamma Knife and CyberKnife

Radiosurgery is one of the most in-demand methods in neurosurgery for the treatment of brain tumors and vascular diseases. It allows non-invasive treatment of tumors and vascular formations with high precision. Gamma Knife and CyberKnife systems use high doses of radiation to destroy pathological tissues, while healthy tissues remain undamaged.

Advantages:

• high-precision irradiation (less than 0.3 mm margin of error);
• minimization of the risk of damage to surrounding tissues;
• non-invasive procedure that does not require incisions;
• reduction of the rehabilitation period: patients can return to normal life within 24-48 hours after the procedure.

Intraoperative MRI

Many leading clinics, such as Teknon and Sant Joan de Déu, use intraoperative MRI (iMRI) during neurosurgical operations. This innovative technology allows surgeons to monitor the removal of tumor or other formation in real time.

Advantages:

• increased precision in tumor removal;
• reduced need for reoperation;
• increased chances of complete tumor removal.

Neuronavigation and robotic systems

Modern neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain, such as San Raffaele and HM Hospitals Network, actively use neuronavigation systems that help surgeons accurately navigate the patient’s brain and spinal cord during operations. One of the most advanced systems is StealthStation, a neuronavigation platform that visualizes complex brain structures in 3D and helps in precise surgical planning.

Robotic systems, such as ROSA and Da Vinci, are also successfully used in neurosurgery. These systems increase the precision of procedures, reducing the human factor and minimizing the risk of complications.

Advantages:

• high precision and safety;
• low risk of injury to healthy tissues;
• performing surgeries through small incisions (minimally invasive surgery).

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a breakthrough in the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Leading clinics in Italy and Spain actively use this method to improve the quality of life of patients with movement disorders. The procedure involves implanting electrodes in certain areas of the brain that are controlled by an implantable neurostimulator. The procedure helps reduce the symptoms of the disease.

According to statistics, more than 160,000 patients worldwide have undergone treatment using DBS, and the method has proven to be highly effective.

Endoscopic neurosurgery

Endoscopic surgery is used to remove tumors, treat hydrocephalus, and correct skull abnormalities.

Advantages:

• minimal incisions and reduced tissue trauma;
• fast rehabilitation;
• shorter hospital stay.

Functional neurosurgery and neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is one of the most promising areas of modern neurosurgery. In clinics, such as HM Hospitales and San Raffaele, surgeons use neurostimulator implantation to control pain, treat epilepsy, and manage movement disorders. These devices deliver electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain or spinal cord, improving the functioning of the nervous system and reducing disease symptoms.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Neurosurgical clinics in Italy and Spain actively use minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques, using the latest technologies, such as the XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) method. The method allows to perform spinal surgeries through a lateral approach, significantly reducing risks for patients, shortening surgery time and speeding up recovery.

Advantages:

• less blood loss;
• less painful rehabilitation period;
• recovery time is reduced by 2-3 times compared to traditional methods.

MedTour: Why do patients choose us?

MedTour is a company that offers high-quality services in the field of medical tourism. We stand out from other companies for a number of reasons that make us a reliable partner for patients worldwide.

1. Extensive network of proven clinics

We cooperate only with verified medical centers and leading clinics in various countries. Each hospital we work with undergoes a thorough check of the quality of services, the presence of international accreditations and the experience of specialists. Our partners are clinics with global recognition, operating according to the latest medical standards.

2. Individual approach to each patient

We understand that each case is unique and pay special attention to the individual selection of a clinic, doctors and treatment methods. Our team of medical coordinators assists patients at every stage, from choosing a clinic to organizing flights and accommodation, as well as postoperative rehabilitation.

3. Saving time and money

With us, you can get access to high-quality treatment without long waiting times and at an affordable price. We provide transparent information on the cost of treatment in different countries, allowing patients to choose the best option. In addition, MedTour organizes a full range of services – from consultations to support during the rehabilitation period, saving your time and effort.

4. 24/7 Support

We accompany our clients at every stage of their medical journey. The MedTour team is available 24/7. We solve all organizational issues so that patients can focus on their recovery.

5. Experience and expertise

Our team consists of professionals with many years of experience in medicine and international cooperation. We guarantee that you will receive high-quality medical services, regardless of the country or clinic you choose.

6. Language support

For comfortable interaction with doctors and medical staff in any country, we provide professional translation services. This eliminates language barriers and ensures accurate transmission of medical information.

MedTour is your confidence that your health is in the hands of the best specialists, while all organizational issues are handled with the utmost care for you.