Neurosurgery Faculty / Medical Staff >

The Department of Neurosurgery surgically treats diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord, i.e., the central and peripheral nervous system. As these nervous systems are extremely complex and delicate, neurosurgery requires more expertise than any other specialties, and cutting-edge equipment is often utilized. We perform more than 3,500 procedures annually for brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, spinal cord diseases, pediatric neurologic diseases, and functional brain disorders. In the field of brain tumors, over 20,000 outpatients visit our department, and we perform over 1,500 procedures annually. We seek the safest and most effective approach using the latest devices such as a neuronavigation system and neuroendoscopy. We have recently fitted an intra-operative CT-device dedicated for use in the operating room, and are using it effectively to have a more accurate surgical approach and to prevent post-operative complications.

During surgery, we use neuromonitoring to monitor the neurologic condition of our patients in real time to minimize post-operative complications. In addition to our clinical practice, we are in the process of conducting basic research for the treatment of brain tumors and publishing the results in prestigious academic journals. We use a gamma knife to effectively treat tumors that cannot be surgically removed, or in case additional treatment is needed after surgery, and since the introduction of the state-of-the-art Perfexion™ equipment in 2010, even more effective treatment has become possible. For cerebrovascular diseases, we perform over 600 procedures annually for patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. This surgery include clipping of cerebral aneurysms, direct or indirect vascular anastomosis, and endovascular coil embolization.

We use intra-operative real-time, motor-evoked potential/somatosensory-evoked potential monitoring during cerebral aneurysm surgery, and have maintained the occurrence of severe complications, such as post-operative paralysis at less than 1%, which is very low even on a global standard. We have established a 24-hour response system for the treatment of acute strokes, and are collaborating with the Departments of Neurology, Radiology, and Rehabilitation Medicine to provide the best patient-centered medical care. We perform more than 500 procedures annually for spinal nerve diseases including not only discectomy, decompression, and interbody fusion, but also highly difficult surgery, such as for spinal tumors. For functional brain disorders, we perform over 200 microvascular decompression procedures annually for hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia, with a cure rate of over 95%, and maintain excellent treatment results in over 100 cases of surgery for epilepsy and deep brain stimulation to control epileptic attacks and enhance motor functions.

Departments List

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.