For patients experiencing spine and neurological conditions, finding the right care is crucial to improving quality of life. At CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital- New Braunfels, Dr. Sandip Savaliya, a board-certified neurosurgeon, specializes in treating a wide range of conditions affecting the brain and spine, offering both conservative treatments and surgical options.

Dr. Savaliya and his team frequently see patients with cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, degenerative spine conditions and compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. In addition to spine disorders, he also treats brain-related conditions, including subdural hemorrhages, traumatic brain injuries and tumors.

Neurosurgical innovation

One of the most significant advancements in neurosurgery is artificial disc replacement, which preserves natural movement and reduces the likelihood of future surgeries compared to traditional spinal fusion. Other innovations include minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery and robotic-assisted procedures. These techniques allow surgeons to minimize tissue disruption, reduce recovery time and enhance surgical precision.

“Minimally invasive surgery means less post operative pain, a faster discharge from the hospital, faster time to get back to your normal self and less use of pain medication,” Dr. Savailya said. “Overall, minimally invasive spine surgery is a win-win situation.”

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-New Braunfels also incorporates robotic-assisted and image-guided spine surgery, which improves surgical accuracy and safety. By reducing blood loss and shortening procedure times, these technologies contribute to better outcomes for patients.

Patient with spine doctor

Prioritizing patient care

Dr. Savailya and his team carefully assess each patient’s symptoms to create an individualized treatment plan.

“It all depends on multiple factors, like patients' imaging showing how bad the pathology is, the patient's symptoms, how the symptoms affect the patient’s daily life and quality of life,” Dr. Savailya said. “That’s what leads us to try something conservative—which would be therapy, medication or injections—versus surgery.”

When non-surgical options such as therapy, medication or injections do not provide relief, patients may be candidates for advanced neurosurgical procedures.

One way CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-New Braunfels stands out is because of its team. Patient education and pre-surgical preparation are top priorities. Dr. Savaliya and his team walk patients through every step of the process, from understanding risks and benefits to knowing what to expect post-surgery.

“Our nursing staff is well-equipped to guide patients through their recovery,” he said. “We ensure a smooth experience from pre-operative care to post-operative rehabilitation.”

The neurosurgical team at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-New Braunfels works closely with hospitalists, physical therapists and nursing staff to provide seamless, high-quality care. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art technology and a team dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Patient with spine doctor

When to seek medical care

For those experiencing any of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention is recommended:
  • Sharp, radiating pain that extends down the arms or legs
  • Weakness in the limbs, making movement difficult
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control, which may indicate a serious spinal issue
While many spinal conditions improve with conservative treatment, these red flags suggest the need for surgical intervention.

“We are committed to providing the highest level of neurosurgical and spine care,” hospital President Genifer Rucker said. “With Dr. Savaliya’s expertise and the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques, our patients receive cutting-edge treatment that prioritizes both their recovery and long-term quality of life.”

Learn more

The hospital is located at 600 N. Union Ave., New Braunfels. For more information about neurosurgical and spine care at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital- New Braunfels, visit the hospital’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.