Fraser Health Neurosurgery
Drs. Navraj S. Heran and Winston Gittens
Home
Background
Neurosurgical Diseases and Treatments
Head and Neck Vascular Malformations
Our Team
Find us
Contact Us
FAQ
Site Map
Legal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Neurosurgeon?
What kind of diseases does a Neurosurgeon treat?
What is Endovascular Neurosurgery/Interventional Neuroradiology?
Where can I get my tests or treatments?
Why is there a wait to get my appointments, tests, or treatments?

If I have surgery, how long will I be in hospital?

What options are available to have my treatment sooner?

If I have other questions?

Q: What is a Neurosurgeon?
A: A Neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases or disorders affecting the nervous system or the lining of the nervous system.  The specialty encompasses the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.
Q: What kind of diseases does a Neurosurgeon treat?

 

A: The range of diseases treated by a Neurosurgeon is quite large and varied.  Brain and spinal tumours, aneurysms, stroke, disc herniations, spinal fractures, and nerve compressions are just some examples of these diseases.

Q: What is Endovascular Neurosurgery/Interventional Neuroradiology?

 

A: This is a field involving the treatment of neurological diseases with minimally invasive techniques to avoid large incisions.  It allows safer treatments as well as treatment of diseases that can not be normally treated with traditional neurosurgery.  Aneurysm coiling and carotid stenting are examples of diseases treated this way.
 
Q: Where can I get my tests or treatments?

 

A: X-ray, CT and MRI scans can be obtained at any of the regional locations.  It is better for your overall care if the studies can be performed at one of the Fraser Health Authority hospital sites as they then become available for access through web-based image viewing systems allowing us access from Royal Columbian Hospital.

 

 

Surgical treatments are performed at Royal Columbian Hospital principally.  Some routine procedures will be performed at Eagle Ridge Hospitall or Burnaby Hospital.

Q: Why is there a wait to get my appointments, tests, or treatments?
A: Health care in British Columbia is largely governed by resources.  As such, there is only a limited number of physicians or space in treatment facilities to deal with certain problems, making the wait to be seen or treated often longer than desired.  Emergency and urgent problems, however, are managed much more effectively as they are given priority.  Similar problems may be encountered when tests are required. If you have any concerns with regard to timeliness of your health care, please raise them to your health care team.
Q: If I have surgery, how long will I be in hospital?
A: Duration of stay in hospital varies with the type of surgery.  Most patients following back or neck surgery will be in hospital for 0-2 days.  Following cranial surgery, patients may be in hospital from 1-3 days.  When minimally invasive treatments are performed, such as for aneurysm coiling or treatment of narrowed blood vessels with stents, patients generally go home the following day.  In general, the duration of stay will be determined by the complexity of the treatment, your general health, and any problems that arise while in hospital.
Q: What options are available to have my treatment sooner?
A: Many programs such as WCB, RCMP, certain employers, and 3rd parties may allow your surgery or consultation to be expedited avoiding the long waits generated by MSP referrals.  This can prevent months of pain, allow return to work sooner, and provide less income loss.  If this is something you wish to consider, please feel free to contact your health care provider.

  

   Q: What if I have other questions or concerns?

   A: If you can not find the appropriate information on this site or through the LINKS, please feel free to contact Cathy.