Measuring outcome in spinal surgery
Back pain
Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia

Consultant Neurosurgeon Addenbrookes Hospital
Associate Lecturer Cambridge University school of clinical medicine

Royal College of Surgeons of England
British association of Spine Surgeons
Society of British Neurological Surgeons
Regional specialty advisor neurosurgery
British medical Association

Rod Laing was appointed as a Consultant Neurosurgeon, with an interest in spinal neurosurgery, at Addenbrookes Hospital in 1995. Since then his practice has expanded to include both complex spinal neurosurgery and minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, which can often be performed as a day case.  Rod specialises in the treatment of degenerative disease, trauma, tumours and syringomyelia.  He has a patient centred focus. 

In 2000 Rod was appointed director of higher neurosurgical training for the Eastern Deanery; in this capacity he was directly involved in neurosurgical training both at local level and at the Royal College of Surgeons in London.  In addition Rod has been secretary of the British Cervical Spine Society and worked to establish the British Association of Spine Surgeons where he served on the Executive until recently.  In 2009 Rod became Clinical Director of Neurosurgery; he has overseen many changes with in the Neurosurgical centre and introduced key initiatives including day case spinal surgery. 

Rod has active scientific research interests includes establishing robust criteria for measuring the effectiveness of surgical treatment of spinal disorders. He believes that a reliable and consistent measurement of patient experience and outcome is a critical factor in driving improvements.

I offer a patient-centred service, allocating at least 30 minutes to new patients in clinic. I help each patient understand how their symptoms are caused and what role surgical intervention might have in improving their quality of life so that we can share decision-making. In addition I offer a rapid access one-stop clinic, with MRI scanning on the same day as the clinic appointment when appropriate. The most important development in spinal surgery over the last few years has been the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques, which significantly shorten recovery time. I have developed a large minimally invasive spinal practice.  I also work as part of a team of experts, collaborating with physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians, neurologists, rheumatologists and pain specialists.  I aspire to achieve the highest standards, audit my practice and have published my surgical outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.

Fees available on request.

http://www.spirehealthcare.com/rodneylaing