Tag Archives: endoscopic spine surgery

Cover of Time Iconic Magazine 2025 featuring Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla recognized for innovation, empathy, and leadership in neurosurgery.

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Endovascular Neurosurgery, and Stereotactic Neurosurgery at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur

Revolutionizing Brain, Spine, and Vascular Care in India—Where Precision Meets Compassion


Introduction: The Dawn of a New Era in Neurosurgery

Modern neurosurgery has undergone a silent revolution — one defined not by larger incisions or longer hospital stays, but by smaller, safer, and smarter techniques. From removing complex brain tumors through a few millimeters of access to treating life-threatening aneurysms without open surgery, the field has evolved into one of breathtaking precision and minimal trauma.

At the forefront of this revolution in South India stands Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, Founder and Chief Neurosurgeon at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur. Internationally trained in the United States and India, and widely recognized as the best neurosurgeon in Guntur, Dr. Rao has brought together some of the most advanced forms of neurosurgery — Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Endovascular Neurosurgery, and Stereotactic Neurosurgery — under one roof.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital, established under Patibandla Narayana Swamy Neurosciences LLP, is India’s first independent, state-of-the-art super-specialty neuroscience center — combining global innovation with the warmth of local care. Here, every procedure is designed not only to extend life but to enhance its quality.

“We don’t just perform surgery — we restore function, dignity, and hope,” says Dr. Mohana Rao.


Why Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Matters

Traditional neurosurgery often involved large openings, extended recovery periods, and visible scarring. While effective, such methods came with higher risks and longer hospital stays.
Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery (MIN) has changed that paradigm completely.

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery combines advanced imaging, high-definition endoscopes, and neuronavigation systems to treat brain and spinal conditions through tiny incisions — resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and safer outcomes.

Key Advantages of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

  • Smaller incisions and minimal blood loss

  • Reduced risk of infection

  • Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery

  • Improved cosmetic outcomes

  • Faster return to normal life and work

Conditions Treated

  • Brain and skull base tumors

  • Pituitary adenomas

  • Hydrocephalus and cystic lesions

  • Epilepsy and movement disorders

  • Spinal disc herniation and canal stenosis

  • Intracranial aneurysms and vascular malformations

Dr. Rao has performed over 12,000 minimally invasive brain and spine surgeries, setting a new benchmark for safe and effective neurosurgical care in India.

His expertise in endoscopic skull base surgery, keyhole craniotomy, and neuroendoscopic tumor resection has positioned Dr. Rao’s Hospital among the top centers for minimally invasive neurosurgery in South India.


Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Precision That Preserves Movement

Back and spine problems are among the most common causes of disability worldwide. Traditionally, spinal surgeries meant large incisions, muscle disruption, and long rehabilitation times.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) at Dr. Rao’s Hospital transforms that experience.

What Is MISS?

MISS uses tubular retractors, specialized microscopes, and endoscopes to access spinal structures with minimal disruption to muscles and ligaments. By avoiding large incisions, patients experience significantly less pain and faster functional recovery.

Common Procedures Performed

  • Microdiscectomy for herniated discs

  • Endoscopic decompression for spinal stenosis

  • Minimally invasive spinal fusion

  • Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for fractures

  • Spinal tumor resections

  • Navigation-assisted instrumentation and stabilization

Patient Benefits

  • Tiny incision (often <2 cm)

  • Minimal postoperative pain

  • Reduced muscle damage and scarring

  • Early mobility (within 24–48 hours)

  • Shorter hospitalization (2–3 days)

  • Rapid return to work and normal activities

Dr. Rao’s Hospital has successfully performed over 1,000 endoscopic spine surgeries and several thousand microdiscectomies and fusions using advanced neuronavigation and intraoperative monitoring.

With these technologies, Dr. Rao ensures real-time precision, minimizing risk to spinal nerves and improving long-term outcomes.


Endovascular Neurosurgery: Healing Through the Bloodstream

Imagine treating a brain aneurysm or stroke without opening the skull. That’s the promise — and the reality — of Endovascular Neurosurgery, one of the most sophisticated subspecialties practiced at Dr. Rao’s Hospital.

What Is Endovascular Neurosurgery?

Also known as Interventional Neuroradiology, this specialty involves using catheters and micro-instruments inserted through the blood vessels (usually via the femoral or radial artery) to diagnose and treat brain and spinal vascular conditions.

Advanced Procedures at Dr. Rao’s Hospital

  • Aneurysm Coiling and Stent-Assisted Coiling

  • AVM and AVF Embolization

  • Carotid and Intracranial Stenting

  • Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke

  • Tumor Embolization Prior to Surgery

  • Endovascular Treatment of Vasospasm

Why It’s Revolutionary

Endovascular neurosurgery offers:

  • No large incisions or craniotomy

  • Shorter procedure time and hospital stay

  • Minimal postoperative pain

  • Early recovery with lower complication rates

  • Precise navigation using real-time fluoroscopy and 3D angiography

Dr. Rao’s Hospital houses one of the few Hybrid Neurovascular Suites in Andhra Pradesh, equipped for both microsurgical and endovascular procedures in a single setting — enabling immediate decision-making and seamless transition between modalities.

With over 3,000 endovascular procedures and 400 aneurysm repairs, Dr. Rao has become one of India’s pioneers in minimally invasive vascular neurosurgery.

“We’ve reached a stage where we can treat stroke and aneurysm patients without a single cut — that’s the power of innovation meeting intent,” says Dr. Rao.


Stereotactic Neurosurgery: The Science of Targeting Perfection

If minimally invasive surgery is precision, stereotactic neurosurgery is perfection. This technique allows surgeons to reach deep-seated brain structures through pinpoint accuracy guided by advanced imaging and coordinate systems.

What Is Stereotactic Neurosurgery?

Stereotactic neurosurgery uses a 3D coordinate mapping system (based on CT, MRI, or functional imaging) to identify the exact target area in the brain — often within a tolerance of less than one millimeter.

Applications

  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumors, AVMs, and trigeminal neuralgia

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders

  • Biopsies of deep brain lesions

  • Functional procedures for epilepsy and chronic pain

  • Targeted drug delivery or lesioning

Why It Matters

These procedures eliminate the need for open craniotomy in many cases, offering:

  • Non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches

  • Outpatient or short hospital stay

  • No sutures, minimal pain, faster recovery

  • Extremely high precision and safety

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, over 2,000 stereotactic radiosurgeries and multiple functional neurosurgical procedures have been performed using cutting-edge navigation and targeting systems.

The hospital’s expertise in this field has earned Dr. Rao recognition as one of India’s best stereotactic and functional neurosurgeons, known for his compassionate approach and meticulous execution.


Technology That Transforms: Inside Dr. Rao’s Operating Rooms

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is equipped with the most advanced neurosurgical technology in India:

  • 3D Microscopes and Endoscopic Systems for enhanced visualization

  • Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) for nerve safety

  • Neuronavigation & Frameless Stereotaxy for precise targeting

  • Intraoperative Imaging & Ultrasound for real-time decision-making

  • Hybrid Cath Lab for combined microsurgical and endovascular interventions

  • High-Definition Neuroendoscopy Units for skull base and pituitary surgeries

These technologies allow Dr. Rao and his team to push the boundaries of what’s possible — reducing risk, maximizing recovery, and redefining neurosurgical excellence in India.


Meet the Visionary: Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla

Training and Credentials

  • MBBS — Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam

  • MCh (Neurosurgery) — Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad

  • Fellowships — USA (Ohio, Colorado, Virginia) in
    Minimally Invasive Skull Base Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Functional & Stereotactic Radiosurgery, and Endovascular Neurosurgery

Experience

  • 15,000+ Neurosurgeries Performed

  • 12,000+ Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • 3,000+ Endovascular Interventions

  • 2,000+ Radiosurgeries

  • 1,000+ Endoscopic Spine Surgeries

  • 400 Aneurysm Repairs & 300 CP Angle Tumor Resections

Awards and Recognition

  • Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award 2025

  • Economic Times Business & Health Excellence Awards 2025

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Unity Award 2025

  • Asia’s Most Trusted Neurosurgeon 2023

  • Health Icon of the Year 2021

Academic Leadership

  • 70+ International Publications

  • 1,200+ Citations in journals like Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery, Stroke, and The Spine Journal

  • Invited Speaker at MISSABCON, SkullBaseCon, NESICON, SNVICON, and TEDx Talks

“My mission was never about building a hospital; it was about bringing healing home,” Dr. Rao shares in his TEDx talk, “My Journey to Bring Healing Home – A Neurosurgeon’s Quest in Guntur.”


Integrated Neuroscience Care: One Destination for All Brain and Spine Needs

Dr. Rao’s Hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach — uniting neurosurgery, neurology, neuro-anesthesiology, neuroradiology, and rehabilitation — ensuring 360-degree care from diagnosis to recovery.

Comprehensive Services Include:

  • Brain and spine trauma management

  • Pediatric neurosurgery

  • Epilepsy and functional neurosurgery

  • Skull base and pituitary tumor surgery

  • Endovascular stroke management

  • Spine deformity correction and pain management

  • Stereotactic radiosurgery and neuro-oncology care

Every patient benefits from a customized treatment plan, where decisions are guided by both data and empathy.


Why Choose Dr. Rao’s Hospital?

Global Expertise, Local Accessibility
Trained internationally, Dr. Rao brings world-class care to Guntur, eliminating the need for patients to travel to metros or abroad.

Patient-First Philosophy
Each patient is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Communication and transparency are integral to the hospital’s ethos.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Advanced surgical technology, hybrid suites, and ICU facilities ensure seamless care for even the most complex cases.

Exceptional Outcomes
Thousands of successful surgeries, high patient satisfaction rates, and minimal complication profiles.

24×7 Emergency Neurosurgical Services
Immediate response for trauma, stroke, aneurysm, and spine emergencies.

International Patient Support
Dedicated coordinators assist global patients with visa, logistics, and post-operative rehabilitation.


Patient Voices: Stories of Courage and Recovery

Case 1: Aneurysm Saved, Life Restored

A 38-year-old woman arrived with a ruptured brain aneurysm. Instead of open surgery, Dr. Rao performed endovascular coiling. Within 48 hours, she was walking. Within a week, she was home — a living testament to the power of minimally invasive treatment.

Case 2: Spine Surgery Without Fear

A 52-year-old teacher with chronic back pain and disc herniation underwent endoscopic decompression. With just a 2-cm incision and no visible scar, she resumed teaching in 10 days.

Case 3: Precision Without Incision

A young man with a deep-seated brain tumor underwent stereotactic radiosurgery — no cut, no pain, no hospital stay. The tumor shrank over months, and he resumed a normal life.

Each of these stories embodies Dr. Rao’s belief that healing is not just about the surgery — it’s about restoring hope.


Research, Education, and Future Vision

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is not just a treatment center but a hub for research and innovation. Current initiatives include:

  • AI-assisted surgical planning

  • Robotic spine surgery research collaborations

  • 3D printing for cranial reconstruction

  • Virtual reality-based neurosurgical training programs

  • Community awareness programs for stroke and epilepsy prevention

Dr. Rao also plans to establish the Dr. Rao Institute of Neurosciences, a global center of excellence that will blend research, training, and compassionate clinical care — right in Guntur.


Conclusion: Redefining the Geography of Hope

At a time when advanced neurosurgery is often associated with major metros or medical tourism abroad, Dr. Rao’s Hospital has transformed Guntur into a global destination for brain and spine excellence.

Here, Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Endovascular Neurosurgery, and Stereotactic Neurosurgery are not just procedures — they’re promises of precision, safety, and compassion.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla’s vision proves that world-class care doesn’t require leaving home. It simply requires vision, values, and a heart dedicated to healing.

“Our goal is not just to save lives — it’s to give every life the chance to thrive.”


Visit Dr. Rao’s Hospital

📍 Address: 12-19-67, Old Bank Road, Kothapet, Opposite Sravani Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
📞 Phone: +91 90100 56444
📧 Email: info@drraoshospitals.com
🌐 Website: www.drraoshospitals.com

Follow Dr. Rao’s Hospital:
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Google Maps