⸺ Monarka Clinic · Barcelona
Neurosurgery in Barcelona
High-precision neurosurgery at Monarka Clinic combines advanced microsurgery and pain management with a scientific, humane, and patient-centered approach.
The specialty
What is neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery, also known as neurosurgical microsurgery, it is a highly precise and delicate medical specialty, recognized by the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC), which deals with resolving complex problems affecting the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It allows for the surgical treatment of chronic pain when other therapies have been ineffective.
Unlike other disciplines focused on a single organ, neurosurgery requires a holistic view of the human body, which is integral to our approach to longevity medicine, since even a single affected nerve can have repercussions throughout the entire system. This perspective allows us to act with respect, strategy, and a deep understanding of the organism.
⸺ Integrative and human vision
Neurosurgery with a scientific and profoundly human perspective
Beyond the surgical technique, we understand that each patient faces a unique, often distressing, experience. What may be routine for a professional is a profoundly impactful life event for the affected individual. That’s why we work from an integrative perspective with psychological support, where, in addition to diagnosis and surgery, we address the emotional aspects that deeply influence recovery.
01
The emotional bond with the patient
02
Understanding the personal and life context
03
Support during and after the process
04
Addressing the fears that remain after major surgery
How we work
Treatments that combine advanced medicine, pain management and comprehensive care
We understand the body and its structures. We know how to intervene with precision and gentleness. But we also know that healing is not just about surgery: it’s about accompanying the person throughout the entire process, helping them understand what has happened, why they have reached this point, and what they can do to prevent it from happening again.
1
Accurate neurosurgical diagnosis
Detailed study of each case to locate the origin of the problem and define the most appropriate strategy.
2
Microsurgery and minimally invasive techniques
High-precision interventions with the least possible impact on the nervous system.
3
Chinese medicine techniques and complementary therapies
An integrative approach that complements surgery with therapies focused on overall well-being.
4
Post-operative support and follow-up
Medium and long-term follow-up to optimize recovery and quality of life.
5
Relapse prevention and personalized recovery plan
Individualized strategy to prevent the problem from recurring.
indications
When is neurological microsurgery indicated ?
- People who need minimally invasive surgery for a neurological injury.
- Patients with persistent pain (hernia, sciatica, nerve entrapments…).
- People who have already undergone surgery and need follow-up or specialized rehabilitation.
- Patients with a fear of surgery seeking a more comprehensive approach.
- People who value technical precision and a personal touch equally.
Medical team
Our team of neurosurgeons
At Monarka, we don’t believe in impersonal surgery. Our neurosurgeons are involved in every case with a scientific, human, and holistic approach, prioritizing high precision and conscious support as the foundation of the healing process.
Dra. Mireia Illueca Moreno
Nº Colegiado
54603
Specialty
Neurosurgery, Pain Medicine and Integrative Medicine
Professional career
Neurosurgeon of excellence, Mireia combines her technical mastery in minimally invasive surgery with an integrative vision that is rare in her specialty. Trained in centers such as the Cleveland Clinic or Barrow Hospital, she has developed her career caring for elite athletes and integrating regenerative medicine, epigenetics and personalized treatments. At Monarka, he directs the medical and surgical area, and is a reference in the treatment of pain with the most advanced techniques.
His clinical approach is distinguished by an extraordinary ability to listen and offer effective and humane solutions, even in the most complex cases. Through cutting-edge technology and a network of international collaborators, Mireia ensures a medical experience that combines science, speed of recovery and close support.
Dra. Mònica Buxeda
Nº Colegiado
49439
Specialty
Neurosurgery and Pain
Professional career
A neurosurgeon with a solid academic and surgical background, Mònica joins the Neurosurgery and Pain Unit at Monarka, where she contributes her expertise in cranial surgery, neuro-oncology, and minimally invasive spine surgery, as well as in complex pathologies such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and Chiari malformation. Specializing in brain tumors in eloquent areas and awake surgery, she is proficient in advanced techniques such as brain mapping and intraoperative neuromonitoring
She graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Barcelona and completed her specialist training via residency at the Mútua de Terrassa University Hospital, she has completed her training at leading national and international centers, including an observership in vascular neurosurgery in São Paulo and humanitarian surgical missions in Tanzania. She aims to offer a holistic approach to neuro-oncology patients and optimize prognostic, physical, and mental outcomes.
Frequently invited as a speaker at national and international conferences and an active member of the main working groups in neuro-oncology, Mònica brings to Monarka the rigor of the most complex surgery along with a human and close vision, offering effective solutions even in the most delicate cases.
Dr. Santiago Garfias Arjona
Nº Colegiado
070709592
Specialty
Neurosurgery
Professional career
A graduate in medicine from Mexico, he earned a Master’s degree in Health Sciences, researching the immunological effects on neurodegenerative diseases. From 2013 to 2018, he completed his Neurosurgery residency in Mallorca, simultaneously beginning his PhD in Neuroscience at the University of the Balearic Islands, which he finished in 2025 with a Cum Laude distinction. Since 2018, he has practiced neurosurgery in private hospitals in the Balearic Islands, developing minimally invasive surgical techniques. In 2022 and 2023, he traveled to Busan, South Korea, for training in biportal endoscopic spinal surgery.
As part of his commitment to offering non-invasive treatment alternatives, he has received training in non-invasive neuromodulation using transcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (TENS). Based on his experience with TENS neuromodulation, he has been invited to train professionals in Spain, the United Kingdom, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.
He currently practices neurosurgery at HM Nou Delfos Hospital and Monarka Clinic, implementing non-invasive neuromodulation, which improves the adaptability of the autonomic nervous system, optimizing sleep quality, memory, recovery after injuries and chronic pain, among other pathologies.
We believe in neurosurgery as a high-precision tool, and in conscious support as the basis of the healing process.
To live longer, but above all, better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of neurosurgical microsurgery?
Microsurgery is an advanced surgical technique that uses high-precision instruments and magnified vision (such as surgical microscopes) to operate on highly sensitive areas with minimal disruption. Thanks to neurosurgical microsurgery, it is possible to repair small blood vessels and nerves. This philosophy of minimal intervention is part of our specialists’ commitment to preserving the functions of the nervous system as much as possible and reducing surgical trauma.
What conditions does neurosurgery treat at Monarka?
Our team treats pathologies of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves: chronic pain, hernias, sciatica, and nerve entrapments, as well as more complex cases such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and Chiari malformation. Each case is studied individually to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Are there non-invasive alternatives before considering surgery?
Yes. In addition to microsurgery, at Monarka we offer non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as transcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (TENS) and NESA neuromodulation, aimed at improving the adaptability of the autonomic nervous system. These can help with chronic pain, sleep quality, memory, and recovery from injuries, and are always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
It is a set of techniques that allow the treatment of spinal pathologies with very small incisions and minimal tissue damage, such as biportal endoscopic surgery. The goal is to reduce surgical trauma, decrease postoperative pain, and promote a faster recovery.
What is awake surgery and brain mapping?
In certain tumors located in eloquent areas of the brain (areas that control functions such as language or movement), awake surgery and brain mapping allow for real-time monitoring of these functions during the procedure. It is a highly complex technique that helps to preserve the patient’s quality of life as much as possible.
Is neurosurgery useful for treating chronic pain?
Yes. Neurosurgery is a powerful ally in pain management when other therapies have been ineffective. At Monarka, we have pain management specialists who combine microsurgery, neuromodulation, and an integrative approach to relieve persistent pain from herniated discs, sciatica, or nerve entrapments.
What is the support like before and after surgery?
We understand that surgery is a life-altering event. That’s why we nurture the emotional connection with the patient, understanding their personal circumstances, providing support during and after the process, and addressing the anxieties that linger after major surgery. This includes medium- and long-term postoperative follow-up and a personalized recovery plan.
I'm afraid of having surgery. Can I still have a consultation?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our patients come seeking a more holistic approach precisely because of their fear of surgery. A consultation doesn’t imply surgery: it’s about understanding your case, learning about all the options—including non-invasive ones—and making a calm and well-informed decision.
Who makes up the neurosurgery team at Monarka?
The team consists of Dr. Mireia Illueca Moreno (neurosurgery, pain medicine, and integrative medicine), Dr. Mònica Buxeda (neurosurgery and pain management, subspecialist in neuro-oncology), and Dr. Santiago Garfias Arjona (neurosurgery and non-invasive neuromodulation). They all combine high technical precision with a compassionate and personalized approach.
Where is neurosurgery performed in Barcelona?
Consultations are held at Monarka Clinic, located at Paseo de Gracia 130, Barcelona. Surgical procedures are performed at leading hospitals in the city. You can contact us to learn more about the process and to book an initial consultation.