


Surgical treatment of epilepsy in SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
About the clinic
Surgical treatment for epilepsy at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital uses laser thermal ablation to help children with drug-resistant seizures. This minimally invasive method treats deep-seated brain lesions in Barcelona, Spain. The hospital is a European reference center for refractory epilepsy and holds CSUR accreditation from Spain’s National Board of Health.
Advanced Laser Ablation Technique
The hospital specializes in laser interstitial thermal therapy for children who do not respond to medication. This technique is often used for lesions like hypothalamic hamartoma. Surgeons use a robotic arm to place a thin laser probe into the brain. Real-time MRI guidance helps the team monitor the procedure. This makes sure the laser destroys only the targeted tissue and keeps healthy brain areas safe. This method serves as a safer alternative to traditional open brain surgery.
Procedure and Technology
The surgery takes place under general anesthesia and typically lasts around 6 hours. The medical team uses specific equipment to maintain millimeter precision throughout the process:
- Robotic arm for exact placement of the laser probe.
- Intraoperative MRI for constant monitoring of tissue temperature.
- Laser probe to neutralize seizure-causing lesions with heat.
Recovery and Hospital Stay
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery is much faster than standard neurosurgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for only 24 to 48 hours. Complex cases may require a longer stay for observation. Children usually return to their normal daily activities within a few days. Many patients achieve complete seizure freedom after the surgery with very low risk of complications.
Expert Pediatric Care in Barcelona
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital belongs to the European Reference Networks for complex epilepsy. The facility combines multidisciplinary neurology and neurosurgery teams to manage pediatric cases. Their approach focuses on reducing surgical risks while improving the quality of life for young patients. You can request a consultation or learn more about this treatment by leaving a request on Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| diagnostics | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Brain SPECT | $1800 - $3000 |
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SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: more details about the clinic
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital (Spain) has been providing medical care since 1867. It is a leading Mother and Child Center, treating patients from infancy to 18 years old. The hospital is part of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and is accredited by Spain’s National Board of Health.
Key Facts (2023):
- 16,000+ surgeries performed
- 3,000+ deliveries
- 322,000+ outpatient visits
- 334 inpatient beds
- 3,082 staff members
Specialized Medical Divisions
The hospital has two main units:
- Child’s Unit – Covers all pediatric specialties, including oncology and hematology.
- Women’s Unit – Focuses on maternity care, high-risk pregnancies, fetal medicine, and gynecology.
Innovations in Treatment
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital develops advanced and safe treatment methods in its research laboratories. Specialists focus on:
- Genetic and molecular biology research
- Neurometabolic and hereditary disorders
- Fetal disease studies
- Cancer research
Ongoing projects include:
- Telemonitoring for pregnant patients
- Smart sensors for neonatal care
- Therapy through play for pediatric patients
SJD Pediatric Cancer Center
One of Europe's top pediatric oncology and hematology centers, the Cancer Center features:
- HEPA-filtered rooms for post-bone marrow transplant care
- Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma, preserving the eye while targeting tumors
- Anti-GD2 immunotherapy for neuroblastoma, improving survival rates by 20%
- Nanofiber-based tissue for localized cancer treatment
- Ongoing vaccine development for brain and spinal cord tumors
Survival Rates:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – 94%
- Bone marrow transplant:
- From a related donor – 90-100%
- From an unrelated donor – 70-80%
Cardiology Center
With over 300 surgeries annually, the hospital’s cardiology team treats congenital heart conditions and complex cardiovascular disorders. It has one of Europe's highest success rates and lowest mortality rates for pediatric cardiac surgery.
Surgery Department
Minimally invasive techniques reduce complications and recovery time. These include:
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
- Tendoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted procedures
- Laser and ultrasonic surgical systems
Orthopedics and Traumatology
The orthopedic team treats scoliosis, pediatric arthrogryposis, hip joint disorders, tumors, bone inflammation, clubfoot, and congenital defects. Innovative techniques are used for posture correction and spinal alignment.
Neurology Department
Recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Health, the neurology unit specializes in treating:
- Refractory epilepsy
- Neurometabolic disorders
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
- Ataxia
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A multidisciplinary team develops personalized rehabilitation programs for conditions such as:
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological and rheumatic diseases
- Amputations
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Bladder and bowel dysfunctions
Patient Services
The hospital offers single, double, and triple rooms. Staff assists with hotel bookings, visas, and documentation. Additional services, including transfers and interpreters, are available for an extra fee. English and Spanish are spoken.
For treatment costs, patients can submit a request through Bookimed.
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View 44 reviewsPasseig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
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