Dr. Girish Menon
MBBS, MCh. Professor & HOD​
Professor & HOD
Overview
The Department of Neurosurgery at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) provides comprehensive, advanced, and affordable neurosurgical care for patients across Kulasekharam, Nagercoil, and the Kanyakumari region. The department functions as a 24×7 neurosurgical emergency and referral centre, offering expert care for complex brain, spine, and neurovascular disorders. Our team manages a wide range of neurological conditions including head injuries, brain tumors, spinal disorders, congenital neurological conditions, neurovascular diseases, and degenerative spine disorders. With the support of modern technology and a multidisciplinary team, the department ensures accurate diagnosis, safe surgical intervention, and comprehensive post-operative care. The department works closely with Neurology, Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Critical Care, and Rehabilitation services to provide integrated treatment for both routine and complex neurosurgical cases. The Department of Neurosurgery is headed by Dr. Girish Menon, MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery), DNB (Neurosurgery), FRCS, a highly accomplished neurosurgeon with extensive experience in advanced cranial and spinal surgery. He has received specialized fellowship training in Neuroendoscopy in Germany and has several decades of clinical, academic, and research experience in neurosurgery. Dr. Girish Menon is recognized for his contributions to microsurgery, neuroendoscopy, epilepsy surgery, and complex brain and spine procedures, and has played an important role in neurosurgical education and research. With numerous scientific publications and national and international academic engagements, he brings strong academic leadership and advanced surgical expertise to the department. Under his guidance, the department strengthen advanced neurosurgical services, clinical outcomes, and academic training programs at SMIMS.
Mission
To develop competent, ethical healthcare professionals with a strong foundation in anatomical sciences and lifelong learning.
Contact Information
Email id:
neurosurgery@sreemookambikainstitute.com
Neurosurgery Operation Theatre
The department is supported by a dedicated Neurosurgery Operation Theatre designed for complex cranial and spinal procedures. The OT is equipped with advanced microsurgical technology and specialized instruments required for delicate neurosurgical interventions.
Key features include:
- High-resolution Operating Microscope for precision microsurgery
- C-arm imaging system for intraoperative guidance
- Cranial and spinal endoscopy systems
- High-speed neurosurgical drills and micro instruments
- Ultrasonic aspirator for safe tumor decompression
- Intraoperative nerve monitoring system
- Stereotactic system for precision neurosurgical targeting
- Advanced diathermy and surgical energy devices
- Dedicated neurosurgical operating tables and spinal retractors
This advanced operating environment enables safe performance of microsurgery, skull base procedures, complex spine surgeries, and minimally invasive neurosurgical interventions.
Infrastructure and Equipment
The department is equipped with modern neurosurgical infrastructure, including:
- Operating microscope for microsurgical procedures
- Cranial and skull base endoscopy systems
- Spinal endoscopy system
• Ultrasonic surgical aspirator
• High-speed electric drills for cranial and spinal surgery
• Stereotactic neurosurgical system
• Intraoperative nerve monitoring system
• Advanced spinal retractors and micro neurosurgical instruments
• C-arm fluoroscopic imaging system
• Neuro-radiology support and advanced imaging
• Ultrasound machine for carotid Doppler and vascular evaluation
These facilities allow the department to perform precision neurosurgery with high safety standards.
Scope of Neurosurgical Services
The department provides a broad spectrum of neurosurgical procedures including:
Brain and Cranial Surgery
- Craniotomy for brain tumors
- Posterior fossa tumor surgeries
- Cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery
- Burr hole evacuation of intracranial hematoma
- Decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury
- Surgery for intracranial hemorrhage
- Skull base tumor surgery
- Endoscopic transnasal neurosurgery
Spine Surgery
- Cervical and lumbar spinal instrumentation
- Spinal decompression surgeries
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Surgery for spinal tumors
- Surgery for degenerative spine disorders
Neurovascular Surgery
- Surgery for cerebral aneurysms
- Management of intracranial vascular disorders
- Cerebrovascular neurosurgical procedures
Functional and Specialized Neurosurgery
- Epilepsy surgery
- Peripheral nerve surgery
- Functional neurosurgery procedures
Specialty Neurosurgery Clinics
The department conducts specialized clinics for focused evaluation and treatment of neurological disorders:
- Functional Neurosurgery Clinic
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic
- Spine Clinic
- Vascular Neurosurgery Clinic
- Skull Base Surgery Clinic
- Trauma and Emergency Neurosurgery Clinic
- Epilepsy Surgery Clinic
- Peripheral Nerve Clinic
Neuro-Critical Care
Postoperative and emergency neurosurgical patients are managed in a dedicated Neuro ICU, equipped with:
- Advanced neurological monitoring systems
- Mechanical ventilators and critical care support
- Trained neurosurgical ICU nursing staff
- Continuous monitoring for head injury and stroke patients
The Neuro ICU ensures optimal monitoring and recovery for critically ill neurosurgical patients.
Academics and Training
The department actively contributes to medical education and academic development.
Academic activities include:
- Teaching and clinical training for MBBS students
- Training for MS General Surgery postgraduate residents in neurosurgical procedures and neurocritical care
- Regular seminars, journal clubs, case discussions, and interdisciplinary clinical meetings
These programs ensure strong academic exposure and hands-on learning in neurosurgical practice.
The Department of Neurosurgery provides comprehensive and affordable neurosurgical care, serving as the only dedicated round-the-clock neurosurgical facility in the Kulasekharam and Kanyakumari region. For many years, the department has been at the forefront of treating a wide range of conditions, including head injuries, brain and spinal tumors, congenital disorders, degenerative spine diseases, and neurovascular problems.
Our team is supported by advanced microsurgical equipment and a modern operating suite staffed by nurses trained specifically in neurosurgical procedures. The ICU is equipped with skilled nursing staff and ventilator support to manage all neurosurgical emergencies. Key equipment includes high-end operating microscopes, C-arm imaging, specialized operating tables, and neurosurgical drills necessary for intricate surgeries.
The department routinely performs procedures such as brain tumor excisions, posterior fossa surgeries, cerebellopontine angle operations, neurovascular interventions, spinal decompression, spinal tumor surgeries, and spinal instrumentation. These surgeries are performed regularly with successful patient outcomes.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of patient care, continuous improvement, and professional development. Regular clinical audits, interdisciplinary collaboration, and close coordination with Radiodiagnosis, Pathology, and Anaesthesiology strengthen our diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. The department also focuses on academic growth through seminars, journal clubs, case discussions, clinical meetings, and teaching programs for postgraduate residents and junior staff.