Keyhole Spine Surgery Brisbane
At Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre (BCNC), we specialise in the surgical management of spinal conditions using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. These techniques are designed to enhance surgical precision and may help reduce post-operative discomfort and support a quicker return to daily activities compared to traditional open spinal surgery.
Our multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, and theatre staff, works together to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care tailored to each individual.
On this page:
Contact our friendly team for more information.
Technology in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
BCNC integrates advanced surgical technologies, including:
- Intraoperative imaging & neuronavigation – Aiding in surgical accuracy.
- Computer-assisted guidance – Supporting smaller incisions with enhanced precision.
- Robotic-assisted techniques – Facilitating efficiency in surgical procedures.
Our team is also involved in medical research and education, contributing to clinical studies and supporting surgeon training across the Asia-Pacific region.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Procedures
Minimally invasive spinal procedures may be considered for managing various spinal conditions, including:
- Cervical discectomy (fusion and disc replacement arthroplasty)
- Lumbar disc replacement
- Lumbar discectomy (minimally invasive and open, including day-case procedures)
- Lumbar fusion (minimally invasive and open)
- Lumbar decompression for spinal canal stenosis (minimally invasive and open)
The most appropriate procedure is determined based on individual assessment.
Conditions That May Be Managed with Keyhole Surgery
- Lumbar disc prolapse
- Cervical disc prolapse
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Spinal spondylolisthesis
- Spinal tumours
- Syringomyelia
- Spinal cord compression
Not all spinal / back related conditions require surgery. Other treatment options may be explored before a surgical approach is recommended.
Comprehensive Spinal Care: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options
BCNC takes a holistic approach to spinal care, assessing both surgical and non-surgical management options. These may include:
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs
- Pain management strategies
- Lifestyle modifications
Each patient receives an individualised treatment plan, guided by their specific needs.
Why Choose BCNC?
✅ Experienced Neurosurgeons – Our team has extensive expertise in spinal surgery.
✅ Advanced Technology – We integrate modern imaging and navigation systems in procedures.
✅ Collaborative Approach – We work closely with allied health professionals.
✅ Research & Education – Our specialists contribute to clinical research and surgical training.
Contact our friendly team for more information.
Coming to your Appointment
Once your appointment has been made, and before your visit, we will send you an appointment letter with our contact details, address, and an outline of the consultation fee. As our Neurosurgeons visit and consult in many locations throughout Queensland, it is very important that you please check the address of your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring:
- your referral letter
- any previous and recent x-rays or scans
- your completed health history questionnaire
It is often a good idea to write down any questions you might want to ask your neurosurgeon. Keyhole Spine Centre Neurosurgeons are happy to see patients from WorkCover or other third-party insurers, however, we do require written authority from your case manager.
Arranging your Surgery
Our theatre bookings team are here to help make all necessary arrangements for your surgery. You will receive an admission letter, which contains details about admission times, fasting, your anaesthetists, and a quote for your procedure. The hospital will also require you to complete some paperwork.
**Mater Private Hospital Brisbane admission booklet**
To make sure the entire process runs smoothly for you, you will be contacted by several people, including Mater hospital admission team, pre-admission clinic, and our Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre (BCNC) nurses.
Our nurses can assist you with:
- Travel forms
- Airline guidelines following surgery
- Expectations around your hospital stay
- If you need to travel to Brisbane, information about accommodation can be provided.
After surgery
During your hospital stay, you will be introduced to one of our nurses.
Prior to discharge, you will be provided with education around your surgical recovery. They can assist with obtaining medical certificates if required.
Following your discharge from hospital, Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre (BCNC) nurses will telephone you to monitor your recovery. You are welcome to contact our nurses anytime with any questions. Remember, we are here to help you.
After your surgery, you will see your Neurosurgeon for a post-operative follow-up appointment.
Telehealth Appointments
We are happy to provide telehealth consultations for our patients in rural and remote regions or living overseas. These appointments can occur with your General Practitioner or in your home. Please contact our admin team, and we will assist you with setting up your telehealth appointment.
Our spine surgery team
Each of our Neurosurgeons has wide expertise in minimally invasive (keyhole) spinal surgery techniques. We pride ourselves in having performed over 6000 keyhole spine surgery procedures over the last 15 years. The Keyhole Spine Centre is the leading centre for this type of surgery in Australia and New Zealand.
FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and caring staff are here to help you with any queries you may have.
What spinal conditions do we commonly treat?
The surgeons at Keyhole Spine Centre commonly treat the following spinal conditions:
- Lumbar disc prolapse
- Cervical disc prolapse
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Spinal spondylolisthesis
- Spinal tumours
- Syringomyelia
- Spinal cord compression
Why keyhole spinal surgery?
Minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical techniques are well established across all surgical specialties. This technique offers greater precision and a shorter procedure than traditional open surgery, resulting in faster recovery.
Typically, a standard open laminectomy would involve a hospital stay of 3 or 4 days.
Patients who undergo minimally invasive lumbar decompression at The Keyhole Spine Centre are usually discharged within 24 hours of admission. Patients treated for a lumbar disc prolapse can usually be managed as a day case.
Do I need a referral for spinal surgery services?
Within Australia, a valid referral is required to access a Medicare rebate for spinal surgery services.
Do I need to have had scans of the spine performed?
Imaging studies of the spine are critical to the assessment of a patient and the formulation of an effective treatment strategy. If you have had relevant radiological studies, our surgeons at Keyhole Spine Centre can more effectively triage (prioritise) referrals for appointments.
You will need to discuss pre-referral radiology with your referring general practitioner. Our surgeons are happy to offer guidance to referring practitioners.
As a minimum, patients with problems in the lumbar spine causing back and leg pain should have had a CT of the lumbar spine performed. Other investigations, such as MRI, might also be requested by your neurosurgeon. Patients with pathology in the cervical spine, causing arm pain or spinal cord compression, should have had an MRI scan performed. These studies can all be requested by your general practitioner and will attract a Medicare rebate.
How much does spine surgery cost?
Out-of-pocket costs for spinal surgery vary widely, depending on your health insurance cover, Medicare rebates, and the treatment required.
To assist your decision-making process, you will be clearly informed of any out-of-pocket costs that apply to your treatment, well in advance. Our Bookings Team will provide you with further information at the time of your consult with the Neurosurgeon.
What happens after spinal surgery?
After spinal surgery, you will be assessed in hospital by the one of the physiotherapists. They will provide you with advice on activities and exercises that you should do to optimise your recovery and rehabilitation. Some patients, particularly if elderly, may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation and this can be organised during your stay as required. Once you return home, you should engage with your local physiotherapist to continue your rehabilitation and optimise return to usual activities.
How soon can I return to driving after Keyhole Spine Surgery?
The time frame for when you can return to driving after keyhole spine surgery varies considerably, depending upon the procedure you have had and your rate of recovery. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more specific advice regarding return to driving in your particular case. Additionally, your physiotherapist can be very helpful in providing advice about when you are able to drive.
How soon can I return to sport after Keyhole Spine Surgery?
Most patients who participate actively in sports are able to return to play following keyhole spine surgery. The timing of resumption of sporting activity depends upon the particular activity and what sort of spinal problem or operation you have had. Physiotherapy and your rehabilitation activities will be critical in helping you return to sport in the most timely fashion.
Do I still need an anaesthetic for spinal surgery?
Yes, all the main spinal surgery procedures that we perform by keyhole techniques will usually require a general anaesthetic.
How long will I have to stay in hospital for spinal surgery?
This varies according to the surgical procedure and patient factors such as general health, social support at home etc. In general though, as a rough guide the average patient stay for common procedures would be as follows:
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar discectomy: Day case or 1 night stay
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: One night stay
- Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion : 2 to 3 nights post-operative stay
- Cervical discectomy (ACDF or foraminotomy): 1 night stay