Spinal Specialist in Bern - PD Dr Christian T. Ulrich

PD Dr Christian T. Ulrich is a specialist in spinal surgery and works as an independent neurosurgeon at the Lindenhofspital in Bern.

With many years of surgical experience, humanity, open personal consultation, and a medical-technical environment at the highest level, PD Dr Christian T. Ulrich offers the best conditions for successful treatment of diseases of the spine and central nervous system.

Experienced Expert in Spinal Surgery in Bern

Doctor Ulrich is a specialist in simple and complex spinal surgery and operates on degenerative, traumatic, and tumorous diseases of the spine. The surgical removal of cranial tumours is also one of his specialities. Disc prolapses, narrowed spinal canals (spinal stenosis), degenerative deformities, and fractures are the most common procedures. Dr Ulrich operates on benign or malignant primary tumours inside and outside the nerve canal (intradural and extradural) as well as secondary tumours or spinal metastases. The aim of spinal surgery, whether it is a disc prolapse or a tumour, is to maintain or restore mechanical spinal stability and keep the patient pain-free.

In this context, Dr Ulrich exemplifies the concept of cooperative spinal surgery in which the competences of neurosurgery and orthopaedics are integrated in complicated spinal surgeries in order to achieve the best possible results. This cooperation concept is sought because of the increasingly high standards set for spinal surgery. Because of his surgical experience, Dr Ulrich knows how important the cooperation between the disciplines of orthopaedics, neurology, rheumatology, pain therapy, radiology, physiotherapy, and oncology is for spinal surgery. Whenever possible, minimally invasive surgery is performed.

Microsurgical and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

When painkillers and physiotherapy no longer help, the patient must see a back specialist. Dr Ulrich focuses on modern spinal surgery with microsurgical and minimally invasive interventions on nerve structures and stabilisation of the spine. Minimally invasive surgery creates the gentlest possible access to the surgical area. This technique has decisive advantages over invasive spinal surgery. These include a very low risk of nerve injury, rapid wound healing, and less scarring. Minimally invasive spinal surgery is also more gentle on the cardiovascular system, which is a decisive advantage for both the older generation and multimorbid patients.

Spinal Navigation and Intra-Operative 3D Imaging – More Safety in Back Surgery

Spinal neuronavigation, an image-guided surgical technique supported by a computer, provides even more safety. The computer navigates the steps to the surgical site in three dimensions by displaying the patient’s spine on a screen in high resolution and in several planes. This modern technique, which is also combined with the minimally invasive approach to the spine, allows Dr Ulrich a good view of the surgical area, precise guidance of the surgical instruments, and maximum control over the insertion of the implants. The correct position of the implants can also be checked during the operation using high-resolution 3D imaging. Revision interventions because of incorrect position of the implants are thus avoided. In addition to the millimetre-precise insertion of implants, spinal neuronavigation can also reduce X-ray radiation in the operating theatre.

CSF Loss Syndrome

CSF loss syndrome is characterised by orthostatic headache, a head pain when changing position from lying to standing up. The CSF pressure drops and creates a negative pressure in the head. The cause is a fistula in the area of the spine through which spinal fluid (CSF) is lost. Dr Ulrich uses a step-by-step diagnostic procedure in order to find the cerebrospinal fluid leak and then closes it in a surgical procedure. CSF loss syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed because of the diffuse symptoms and because a definitive diagnosis with detection of the exact CSF fistula point is challenging. Dr Ulrich is an expert in this disease and was able to participate in an interdisciplinary team consisting of specialists in neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and neurology in the further development of diagnostics, causes, and surgical treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).

Second Opinions in Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery is often associated with uncertainty and anxiety for those involved. Patients and relatives should therefore seek an additional medical opinion if they are unsure. There are often different surgical approaches and treatment options. A second doctor can help patients understand the pros and cons of therapy so they can decide on an individual treatment plan.

More information on PD Dr Christian T. Ulrich can be found on his website.