Macquarie Neurosurgery 3.75

The Macquarie University Neurosurgery Unit is one of the largest academic neurosurgery groups in Australia. It includes eight neurosurgeons and a dedicated neurosurgery research laboratory. The unit has subspecialty interests in vascular neurosurgery, spinal surgery, tumour surgery, radiosurgery, Syringomyelia and Chiari malformations.

Vascular neurosurgery is a major focus of the group, both clinically and in the laboratory. We have extensive experience in the management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), aneurysms, and occlusive diseases such as carotid artery stenosis and moyamoya disease. Many complex brain vascular disorders and some brain tumours are best managed with bypass grafts and our group is recognised nationally and internationally for our expertise with these techniques. We work closely with the interventional neuroradiologists at Macquarie University Hospital in the management of neurovascular cases.

We have access to electromagnetic stereotaxy and intra-operative CT scanning and angiography, which aid in the management of complex intracranial and spinal lesions. Australia’s first Gamma Knife radiosurgery unit is at Macquarie University Hospital and members of our group lead the management of intracranial lesions using this technology.

Based at Macquarie University Hospital, our group provides clinical services in Canberra, Penrith, Coffs Harbour, Gosford, the Sydney Northern Beaches, Roseville, Armidale, Bathurst, Orange, and Dubbo.

Our clinical training positions include Masters/Doctor of Advanced Surgery in neurovascular surgery, spinal surgery, and neuro-oncology, and Masters of Surgery in general neurosurgery. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia have accredited a Surgical Education and Training (SET) position and Post Fellowship Education and Training (PFET) Programs in Cerebrovascular and Spine Surgery.

Our research group is studying syringomyelia (spinal cord cysts) and brain aneurysms, and is developing new treatments for brain AVMs. Our research is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). In addition to postdoctoral researchers and research assistants, the unit supports 5 PhD students.

The neurosurgery unit provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week on-call service.