Woman bending backwards for spinal pain relief

Other Specialised Spinal Surgeries

Advanced surgical care for rare and complex spine and nerve conditions.

What Are Specialist Spinal Procedures?

Some spinal conditions require surgical approaches that don’t fall under traditional categories like decompression or spinal fusion. These might involve rare diagnoses, unusual anatomy, or previously treated health conditions that demand a more tailored solution.

This section brings together a selection of specialist procedures performed by Mr Gordan Grahovac for patients with unique surgical needs. These operations are often designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, correct abnormalities, restore neurological function, or manage long term complications of earlier conditions or surgeries.

Mr Grahovac combines extensive experience with cutting-edge techniques to deliver targeted, effective care — even when the pathway forward isn’t straightforward.

Other Surgical Spinal Surgeries Offered

  • Minimally Invasive Syrinx Drainage


    A procedure is used to relieve pressure within the spinal cord caused by a syrinx (fluid-filled cavity), helping to reduce neurological symptoms and prevent further tissue damage.

    How it works: After exposing your spinal cord, a small incision is made to insert a fine catheter into the syrinx cavity. The fluid is carefully drained in subarachnoid space to reduce pressure within the spinal cord. This minimally invasive approach avoids major disruption to surrounding tissues and does not require drainage into the chest or abdominal cavity.

    Conditions it treats: Syringomyelia, post-traumatic syrinx, or cysts causing spinal cord compression and neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or pain.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 2–4 weeks, with improvement in symptoms typically noticed within the first few weeks following the procedure.

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  • Chiari Decompression Surgery


    Performed to relieve pressure and restore CSF flow at the base of the skull and upper spinal cord caused by a Chiari malformation.

    How it works: Through a small incision at the back of the head, a portion of bone from the skull (suboccipital craniectomy) and sometimes part of the top cervical vertebra (C1 laminectomy) are removed to create more space for the brainstem and spinal cord. The dura (protective membrane) is opened and a patch is added to expand the space and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.

    Conditions it treats: Chiari malformation type I and associated symptoms including headaches, neck pain, balance problems, dizziness, and sensory disturbances.

    Recovery time: Initial recovery takes around 4–6 weeks, with most patients gradually returning to normal activities within 2–3 months. Full recovery and resolution of symptoms may take several months depending on individual healing.

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  • Syringopleural or Syringoabdominal Shunting


    A procedure is used to treat syringomyelia by draining excess fluid from a syrinx (a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord) to reduce pressure and prevent further neurological damage.

    How it works: A small catheter (shunt) is surgically placed into the syrinx to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the pleural cavity (syringopleural shunt) or the abdominal cavity(syringoabdominal shunt), where it can be safely reabsorbed. The goal is to collapse the syrinx and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

    Conditions it treats: Syringomyelia that shows signs of the growth and causes progressive neurological symptoms such as pain, weakness, stiffness, or sensory loss caused by syrinx expansion.

    Recovery time: Most patients recover within 4–6 weeks, with the primary aim to stop progression and gradual improvement in symptoms over the following months. Close follow-up with imaging is typically required to monitor syrinx reduction and shunt function.

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Recovery & Long-Term Results

Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical procedure, the patient’s overall health, and the complexity of the underlying condition. Regardless of the approach, Mr Gordan Grahovac provides a structured post-operative plan to support healing and long term outcomes.

  • Most patients can expect a hospital stay of 3 to 7 days, tailored to the nature of the surgery and early recovery progress.

    • Pain management is provided through medication and anti-inflammatory drugs.

    • Rest and restricted movement may be needed.

    • Light movement or guided physical therapy may begin to support circulation and strength.

    • A structured rehabilitation programme is introduced.

    • Physiotherapy focuses on posture, strength, and mobility.

    • Most return to light activities within 6 to 12 weeks.

    • Each patient is monitored throughout recovery, with ongoing guidance to ensure the best outcome.

    • Relief from chronic pain, neurological disturbance, and instability.

    • Improved quality of life and functional independence.

    • Reduced risk of future complications when combined with appropriate pain management and follow-up.

Woman bending for post spinal surgery recovery

Why Choose Mr Gordan Grahovac?

Mr Gordan Grahovac, complex spinal surgeon, headshot

When facing a complex spinal condition, persistent nerve-related symptoms, or an uncommon diagnosis, expert care is essential. Mr Gordan Grahovac is a highly regarded Consultant Neurosurgeon and Complex Spinal Surgeon in London, known for managing difficult-to-treat conditions.

Whether managing a spinal cord abnormality, a trapped nerve, syringomyelia, or unexplained neurological symptoms, Mr Grahovac offers a personalised surgical strategy supported by years of experience and a focus on long term outcomes.

What Patients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions: Spinal Surgery

  • Many spinal and nerve-related conditions are uncommon or complex. If your symptoms haven’t responded to treatment, or your diagnosis is unclear, a consultation with Mr Grahovac can help identify appropriate next steps — even if your condition is rare or previously treated.

  • Yes. While these operations may be highly specialised, they are safe and effective when performed by an experienced spinal surgeon. Mr Grahovac is skilled in both conventional and minimally invasive spinal surgery, including procedures for syringomyelia, CSF flow disorders, and nerve compression syndromes.

  • Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and individual health, but most patients return to light activity within 6–12 weeks. Full recovery may take several months, especially for procedures involving spinal cord decompression or neurological repair.

  • Yes. Many patients who seek these specialist procedures have had prior spinal surgery. Mr Grahovac frequently sees individuals with persistent symptoms, failed back surgery syndrome, or complications from earlier treatments.

  • If you’ve been told your condition is untreatable, doesn’t fit a category, or if you feel unsure about your options — it’s reasonable to seek a second opinion. Mr Grahovac provides trusted assessments for patients with ongoing back pain, neurological changes, or diagnoses that require further clarity.

  • Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments — like physiotherapy, pain management, or lifestyle changes — have not resolved symptoms. If you're experiencing ongoing back pain, nerve compression symptoms, or progressive weakness, a surgical assessment may be appropriate. Mr Grahovac prioritises conservative care first and recommends surgery only when necessary.

  • During your consultation, Mr Grahovac will review your symptoms, imaging (MRI, CT), and medical history. He will explain the likely diagnosis, outline treatment options, and answer your questions in plain language. The goal is to help you understand your condition and feel confident in your next steps.

  • Yes. Many spinal surgeries aim to relieve pressure on nerves or correct issues affecting the spinal cord, which can reduce symptoms such as numbness, tingling, arm or leg weakness, or unsteady walking. Early assessment is important to prevent long-term nerve damage.

Take the First Step Towards Relief

If you’re living with a complex spinal condition, persistent symptoms, or a diagnosis that doesn’t fit into a standard category, expert help is available.

Mr Gordan Grahovac offers trusted guidance and tailored surgical care for patients with nerve compression, spinal instability, unexplained neurological symptoms, and other specialist spinal conditions.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early evaluation and expert insight can make all the difference.