Neurosurgeon Sydney FAQs
Neurosurgeon Sydney FAQs: what to expect and how to prepare
“The future of spine surgery is already here. With endoscopic and robotic spine surgery, patients recover faster and with less pain. And I’m proud to be bringing these advances to Sydney.”
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
Many people feel unsure about seeing a neurosurgeon. In Sydney, we aim to make your visit clear, calm and tailored to you across our Wahroonga and Bella Vista rooms.
About Dr Shanu Gambhir
Understanding neurosurgery
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
What is a neurosurgeon?
A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. This includes problems like brain or pituitary tumours, subdural haematomas, sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. While some cases need surgery, many people improve with non-surgical care. Neurosurgery is only considered when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
What procedures do neurosurgeons perform?
The scope of care includes clinical assessments, targeted spinal injections, and surgeries, from minimally invasive spine techniques to complex brain operations. Dr Shanu Gambhir focuses on endoscopic and other keyhole procedures when appropriate, which can reduce recovery time and tissue disruption.
What should I expect at my first appointment with Dr Shanu Gambhir?
We’ll go through your symptoms, history, and goals. Then we’ll review any scans and decide if further imaging is helpful. You’ll get clear, simple explanations about your options, what recovery might look like, and the risks involved. Feel free to bring a support person or a list of questions.
Do I need a GP referral to see a neurosurgeon in Sydney?
Yes, a referral is recommended. It gives important background and may help you access Medicare rebates, if you’re eligible.
Why choose a neurosurgeon for spine and nerve pain?
Neurosurgeons are trained across the nervous system, not just the spine. This broader view helps identify whether pain comes from a disc, nerve, joint, or something else entirely. Treatments range from physio advice to injections or, if necessary, surgery.
Where does Dr Gambhir consult in Sydney?
He sees patients across multiple locations in Sydney. When you book, our team will help you find a time and place that suits your schedule.
What is Dr Gambhir’s training and background?
Dr Gambhir completed advanced neurosurgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, working across major hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. He’s a member of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia and the AMA. Alongside surgery, he’s active in research and teaching, ensuring his care reflects the latest evidence and best practice.
Will my appointment feel rushed?
Not at all. Every consultation is given the time it needs so you can understand your options and make informed decisions together.
Endoscopic spine surgery
What to expect with endoscopic spine surgery
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
What is endoscopic spine surgery?
It’s a minimally invasive, keyhole technique using a tiny camera and fine tools through a cut smaller than 1 cm. The goal is to relieve pressure on a nerve or spinal canal while disturbing as little surrounding tissue as possible. Whether it’s the right option depends on your MRI and clinical assessment.
Which problems can it treat?
It’s commonly used for herniated discs causing sciatica, narrowing around nerve roots (foraminal stenosis), and some cases of central canal narrowing. It can also help with repeat disc issues. Not every case is suitable, so we match the approach to your anatomy, symptoms, and scan findings.
How small is the incision and what is recovery like?
The incision is usually 8–10 mm. Most people walk the same day and can begin light activities soon after. Some go home within 24 hours. Returning to work depends on your job and general health. We give a clear, tailored recovery plan to guide you.
Is endoscopic spine surgery safe?
Every surgery has risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve injury, or spinal fluid leak. We go over your individual risk based on your health and scan results, always in straightforward, honest terms.
When is open spine surgery the better choice?
If there’s major spinal instability, complex curvature, or compression at multiple levels, open or fusion surgery may be another option. The same applies to some infections and tumours. We’ll talk you through the options, explain the pros and cons, and make sure you understand what recovery would look like.
How do I find out if I’m a candidate in Sydney?
Book a consultation and bring a recent MRI of the area that’s troubling you. We’ll review the scan together, do an exam, and discuss what’s causing your symptoms. If endoscopic surgery isn’t the right fit, we’ll explain why and outline other options, so you leave with a clear direction and next steps.
Lumbar Discectomy Sydney
Treating a herniated disc
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
What is a lumbar discectomy?
It’s a procedure to remove part of a lower back disc that’s pressing on a nerve. The aim is to ease leg pain, tingling, or weakness caused by that pressure. It can often be done using keyhole techniques. The best approach depends on your symptoms, exam findings, and MRI. We always talk through the options and what’s involved before you decide.
What symptoms suggest I might need one?
Typical signs include leg pain running down a clear nerve path. Numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot or calf can also occur. Pain that persists despite physio and medicines is another flag. Sudden bowel or bladder changes need urgent assessment. A consultation helps confirm whether the disc is the source.
Endoscopic discectomy vs microdiscectomy, what’s the difference?
Endoscopic discectomy uses a narrow working channel with a camera. Microdiscectomy uses a small microscope-assisted incision. Both are established options for removing the offending disc fragment. Choice depends on disc level, location and your anatomy. We review your scans together and agree on a plan.
How long is hospital stay and recovery?
Many people walk the same day and go home within 24 hours. Light activity often resumes within days with simple restrictions. Desk work commonly restarts in one to two weeks. Manual roles need a staged plan. Driving is considered when you can brake safely and are off sedating medicines. We give written guidance on movement, wound care and follow up.
What are the risks?
All procedures carry risk. Potential problems include infection, bleeding and blood clots. Dural tear with spinal fluid leak and nerve injury can occur. There is also a chance of recurrent disc herniation. We go through your personal risk profile in plain English.
Can a disc herniation come back?
Yes, recurrence can happen at the same level or a different one. A graded rehab plan helps you return to activity safely. Good lifting technique and core strengthening are useful. Weight management and smoking cessation can also support recovery. If symptoms recur, we reassess with examination and imaging.
Sciatica Treatment Sydney
When leg pain comes from the spine
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
What causes sciatica?
The most common cause is a herniated disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve. Other causes include narrowing in the spine (spinal or foraminal stenosis), small joint cysts, or a slipped vertebra (spondylolisthesis). Sometimes, hip or sacroiliac joint issues can feel like sciatica. To find the real source, I combine your story, a physical exam, and targeted imaging.
When should I see a specialist in Sydney?
If pain lasts more than a few weeks, or starts to interfere with walking, sleep, or daily activities, it’s time for a review. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg or foot also need checking. Sudden bowel or bladder changes or numbness in the saddle area are red flags that need urgent attention. Early review helps plan simple, effective steps.
What tests help diagnose sciatica?
We test muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and how your pain travels. An MRI is the main scan, it shows your discs and nerves clearly. Sometimes we use nerve tests or targeted injections to confirm the level causing symptoms. Previous X-rays can also help us understand spine alignment.
What non-surgical options are available?
Gentle movement, education, and posture tips can calm symptoms. Physio-guided exercises focus on core strength and nerve relief. Medicines may help short term, and image-guided steroid injections can be used during flare-ups. We keep adjusting the plan to match your work, life, and goals.
When does surgery help?
If pain stays severe despite these measures, or if leg weakness gets worse, then surgery like endoscopic discectomy or decompression might be an option. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve. We’ll go through the pros, the risks, and what recovery could look like, then decide together.
How quickly can sciatica improve?
Some cases settle within a few weeks with conservative care. Others need more time, but gradual movement helps. After surgery, people often feel early relief from leg pain. Full recovery, though, is a steady climb. I’ll guide you with a structured plan for walking, work, and returning to activity safely.
Brain Surgeon Sydney
Understanding brain conditions and care
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
What conditions do brain surgeons treat?
Brain surgeons help manage a range of issues like brain and pituitary tumours, trigeminal neuralgia, and subdural haematomas. Not all of these require surgery, some can be watched or treated with medication. We base decisions on your symptoms, scans, and overall health, always working with your GP and other specialists so you’re supported at every step.
What is neuroendoscopy?
It’s a minimally invasive approach using a small camera and instruments through tiny openings in the skull. It’s often used for pituitary tumours or selected cysts. The benefits can include smaller incisions and quicker recovery, but it’s not suitable for every condition. If open surgery is safer for your case, we’ll explain why and guide you through the options.
Do all brain tumours need surgery?
No. Some are monitored with regular scans. Others may be better treated with radiation, surgery, or both. We consider the tumour’s type, size, location, and your symptoms before recommending anything. All decisions are reviewed in a team setting to provide balanced, expert input.
What are the risks of brain surgery?
Risks depend on the procedure and brain area involved. They can include bleeding, infection, spinal fluid leak, seizures, or stroke-like symptoms. We reduce risks with detailed planning, image guidance, preventive medication, and close monitoring. Before surgery, we’ll explain your specific risks and provide written information for you to review at home.
How do I get a second opinion in Sydney?
Ask your GP for a referral and include your latest MRI or CT scan (on disc or via secure link). My team will offer the next available appointment and let you know if more tests are needed. A second opinion can clarify your diagnosis and explore all treatment options. We’re also happy to coordinate with your current care team.
How long is recovery after brain surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Some endoscopic brain surgeries allow you to go home early, while larger cranial operations often need a few days in hospital. Feeling tired afterward is common. We’ll help guide your return to everyday life, including wound care, rehab, and when it’s safe to drive or return to work.
Appointments, Fees, and Logistics
Making a booking with Dr Shanu Gambhir
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
Do I need a referral? Will Medicare rebates apply?
Yes, a valid GP referral is recommended. It provides helpful background and may allow you to claim Medicare rebates if you’re eligible. Ask your GP to include your symptoms, how long they’ve been going on, any relevant history, and any past scans. Most referrals last 12 months.
How do I book?
You can book by phone or email, just send your referral and preferred times. We’ll offer the next available appointment. Please bring your scan images (not just the report), a list of your medications and allergies, and any past surgery notes. Wear comfortable clothing so we can check movement more easily if needed.
What does it cost?
We’ll explain consultation and imaging fees when you book, and provide item numbers where relevant. If surgery is recommended, you’ll get a detailed written quote that includes surgeon, hospital, and anaesthetist costs, so everything’s clear from the start.
Where are your clinics?
Dr Gambhir consults in Wahroonga and Bella Vista.
Will I need imaging before my visit?
If you already have recent MRI or CT scans, please bring both the images and the reports (on disc or a secure link). If you don’t have scans, that’s fine, we’ll decide what’s needed after your assessment. In some cases, simple X-rays can also be useful for checking alignment and movement.