Neurosurgery is one of the most difficult branches of surgery. It calls for surgeons to have a wide range of skills and knowledge. It is demanding, time-consuming, and requires a surgeon to be fully focused on the procedure at hand.
Neurosurgeons are trained to operate within the narrow confines of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots. This requires a deep knowledge of anatomy and surgery, both inside and out. It also requires a lifetime of dedication to their profession.
If you’re considering a career in one of the surgical fields, or want to know more information about neurosurgeons and what they treat, read on!
The Role of the Professional Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are highly specialized and require many years of extensive training. They perform a specific set of procedures involving the brain, spinal cord, and related structures. These procedures are often conducted to alleviate neurological trauma.
Although they deal with a wide variety of conditions, the majority of surgeries are to address problems with the brain. Some of the most common neurosurgery procedures are:
- Epilepsy neurosurgery
- Anterior cervical discectomy
- Craniotomy
- Lumbar puncture
- Laminectomy
We won’t explain these procedures in detail, but the skill and precision required for any surgical operation involving the brain and spine are exceptionally high. The risk of fatal complications, such as blood clots in the brain or seizures, is high. A neurosurgeon must take every precaution to mitigate these risks.
If you’re looking for neurosurgery in Paramus, NJ, it’s easy to schedule a consultation with a professional neurosurgeon and get the treatment you need.
Why is it So Difficult, Compared to Other Surgery Fields?
There’s no “easy” field of surgery, and every surgeon must be dedicated to their craft. However, neurosurgery is considered one of the most challenging fields, as the risks involved are much higher than general surgery.
As a specialty field, neurosurgery requires that a neurosurgeon possess a thorough knowledge of the brain and its functions. This is an incredibly complicated organ, with various interconnected systems that involve all major organs and glands. There are many parts of the brain that need to be manipulated to aid in a surgical procedure.
A patient’s own anxiety can complicate things further, and it’s important for neurosurgery patients to mentally prepare themselves before a procedure. This has a proven impact on recovery.
And, while general surgery is technically limited to the size of a scalpel, neurosurgery requires much more specialized equipment, which takes up much more space and makes neurosurgery more difficult to transport.
It’s a specialty field that demands the utmost surgical precision and detail, as well as the ability to create a team of highly-trained specialists. This requires a lot of training and, to be a neurosurgeon, you must be willing to put in the long hours.
What Is The Average Neurosurgical Salary?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a neurosurgeon is $631,901. This enormous salary comes with an enormous price tag in the number of hours studied, however. At minimum, neurosurgeons typically possess four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school training, and five to seven years of fellowship training.
This means the average neurosurgeon spent 15 – 17 years learning their field, and their salary reflects that amount of time and effort.
How to Find a Neurosurgeon that is Right for You
Obtain referrals from review sites: While your primary doctor may refer you to a specialist they personally know, it’s a good idea to research testimonials from other patients.
Research their certification and training: A neurosurgeon will typically display their certification and training on their website, but you want to be sure they have years of experience beyond their residency.
Consider the hospital quality: It’s important to consider the quality of the hospital where the neurosurgeon performs their work. Is the hospital understaffed, underequipped, do they employ rude or negligent staff? These factors will impact your recovery post-surgery, so they’re important to consider as well.
