Neurosurgery research

The St George’s Hospital neurosurgery department has been renowned around the world as a centre of excellence for brain and spinal surgery since it was established at its original site at Atkinson Morley Hospital in 1869.  The unit has a rich history of research that has enhanced and saved the lives of countless people around the world.

St George’s Hospital is the only hospital in the UK to be located on the same site as a university – the prestigious St George’s University of London, the only university in the country dedicated solely to medicine. The relationship between the two institutions has helped to maintain St George’s reputation as a world class provider of care and research centre.

History

Sir Wyllie McKissock (1906-1994), one of the founders of British neurosurgery, established the Atkinson Morley neurosurgery unit. He carried out research in the management of subarachnoid haemorrhage. In 1966, when the co-operative studies in subarachnoid haemorrhage were set up, Sir Wyllie McKissock contributed about a third of the patients in these studies.

Sir Wyllie McKissock, founder of the Atkinson Morley Hospital Neurosurgery Unit

Sir Wyllie McKissock, founder of the Atkinson Morley Hospital Neurosurgery Unit

Sir Godfrey Hounsfield (1919-2004) developed axial tomographic imaging at Atkinson Morley, which led to the development of the first CT scanner in 1971 and the award of the Nobel prize in 1979.

Sketch of the first CT scanner by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield

Sketch of the first CT scanner by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield

Prof. B. Anthony Bell was the first Professor of Neurosurgery to be appointed at Atkinson Morley. He established Academic Neurosurgery at St. George’s. A large number of trainees have completed research projects with Prof. Bell, leading to the award of research degree such as MD or PhD. Prof. Bell retired in 2014.

Prof. Marios C. Papadopoulos was appointed in 2014 as lead academic neurosurgeon. His main research interests are aquaporin water channels and the management of spinal cord injury.