Mr Christopher Kellett

Neurosurgical training has provided me with the perfect foundation in microsurgical, endoscopic and minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. Early in my neurosurgical training, I showed an affinity for spinal surgery. This enthusiasm enabled me to focus and gain vast experience in all disciplines of spinal surgery over a 15-year period. I developed a keen interest in the biomechanics of the spine and related sports injuries having played county cricket throughout my teens as an opening fast bowler.

Specifically, my interests include; microscopic and endoscopic minimally invasive spinal (MIS) surgery; computer navigated spinal surgery; day case spinal fusion and spinal surgery under local/spinal anaesthesia.

The approaches I employ reduce operative and anaesthetic time whilst minimising tissue trauma, thus reducing the risk of infection, postoperative pain and hospital stay. I am the only surgeon in Leeds to have performed cervical spine surgery under local anaesthetic and successful day case MIS lumbar fusion.

I am fellowship trained and undertook my Neurological and Complex Spinal Surgery training under world-renowned names in some of the busiest centres in the UK. These include The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, Atkinson Morley Department of Neurosurgery, London, The Hugh Cairns Neurosurgical Department, The Royal London Hospital, King’s College, London and Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.  

I am grateful to have worked in so many prestigious centres with inspirational trainers. Having such widespread experience has ensured that I have observed the full spectrum of spinal pathology, but also the many different approaches that can be employed to deal with spinal conditions.

I have published extensively on areas of expertise including Cervical Myelopathy and Cauda Equina Syndrome. I am actively involved in clinical research studying spinal cord injury and was the surgeon responsible for the care of professional rugby player, Mose Masoe.  

Service improvement is another key area of interest for me. I am currently in the process of developing a regional network for adult patients living with Spina Bifida.

Not only are these patients challenging from a surgical perspective, but they have complex needs that are best managed through a regional multidisciplinary approach.

Through my keen attention to detail and extensive training, I can tailor individualised treatment plans to meet the needs of my patients through minimally invasive techniques.