Complex Spine Institute
World‑leading center for spinal surgery and neurosurgery
The Institute
At Complex Spine Institute we understand that every patient arrives with a unique story. That’s why we combine surgical expertise – more than 6,000 procedures to date – with technological innovation and a human touch that accompanies you through the entire process, from diagnosis to full recovery.
Our History and Purpose
Founded in 2024 by Dr. Vicenç Gilete and Dr. Augusto Covaro, Complex Spine Institute was born out of decades of independent clinical practice and international teaching. Both surgeons shared a common goal: to provide advanced solutions for complex cases that had often exhausted conventional options. Today, the institute’s mission remains clear: restore quality of life through minimally invasive, safe, and personalized procedures.
— “Our priority is to relieve pain without compromising the patient’s mobility or independence.” — Dr. Gilete
Leading Medical Team
At Complex Spine Institute, we combine renowned medical careers with an eminently human approach. Discover in detail the training, experience, and achievements of our leading surgeons:
Dr. Vicenç Gilete – Neurosurgeon
With over 25 years dedicated to spinal surgery, Dr. Gilete is a leading European authority on craniocervical instability, hypermobility syndromes, and complex deformities. He heads the surgical division at Promohealth SL and trains fellow neurosurgeons in minimally invasive techniques.
Academic Background
- Medical Degree – University of Barcelona (1991)
- Neurosurgery Residency – Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona (1992–1996)
- MBA – Escuela de Administración de Empresas (EAE, 2003)
Professional Highlights
- Medical Director, Promohealth SL – Hospital Teknon (present)
- Founder and Director, Barcelona Spine Center (2008–2012)
- Neurosurgeon, various reference centers in Barcelona (1997–2008)
- Instructor in hands‑on minimally invasive spinal surgery courses
Areas of Specialization
- Craniocervical and atlanto‑axial fusion
- Chiari decompression and cervical myelopathy
- Artificial disc replacement
- Treatment of patients with Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome and other rare diseases
Dr. Augusto Covaro – Orthopedic Surgeon and Traumatologist
Specialist in complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery, Dr. Covaro brings 15 years of experience and has performed over 2,000 procedures. He is an AOspine instructor and a leading authority on lateral XLIF/OLIF approaches and endoscopic surgery.
Academic Background
- Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Residency – Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona (2007–2012)
- SICOT Scholarship – Spinal Surgery, Aarhus, Denmark (2012)
- AOspine Fellowship – Complex Surgery, Uppsala, Sweden (2016)
- Pediatric Spine Surgery Fellowship – Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona (2013–2014)
Professional Highlights
- Consultor de columna – Centro Médico Teknon y Hospital Dexeus (2013‑2025)
- Cirujano de columna – Hospital Universitari Bellvitge (2019‑2023)
- Experiencia previa en Hospital de Igualada (2016‑2019)
Areas of Specialization
- Spinal endoscopy and percutaneous techniques
- XLIF/OLIF interbody fusions
- Revision surgery (Failed Back Syndrome)
- Regenerative medicine with mesenchymal stem cells
Multidisciplinary Team
Our medical team is complemented by anesthesiologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists specializing in spinal pathologies, all aligned with the philosophy of empathy, technical excellence, and ongoing training.
In addition to the surgical team, our Institute features:
- Advanced radiology
- Specialized postoperative physiotherapy
- Surgical and hospital nursing
- International coordination and patient management team
- Support clinical psychology (as indicated)
360° Methodology
Our working model rests on five pillars that unfold smoothly:
- Precision diagnosis. 3 T MRI, 4D CT, and dynamic studies allow us to pinpoint the exact source of pain.
- Virtual planning. We simulate the procedure in 3D and review it in a multidisciplinary board to devise the best strategy.
- Minimally invasive surgery. 3D navigation, robotics, and endoscopy minimize bleeding and protect surrounding tissue.
- Accelerated recovery. Discharge on the same day or within 48 hours, plus a supervised digital rehabilitation program.
- Extended follow‑up. Check‑ups at 3, 6, and 12 months with direct telemedicine access to the team.
Innovation and technology applied to every case
At Complex Spine Institute, innovation isn’t an add‑on—it’s the driving force behind everything we do. Thanks to ongoing investment in technology, we achieve safer, more precise, and less invasive procedures.
- Robotic surgery and 3D navigation deliver sub‑millimetric accuracy when placing implants, correcting deviations by up to 43 % compared to traditional techniques.
- High‑definition endoscopy lets us remove herniated discs through one‑centimeter incisions, with same‑day discharge.
- Intraoperative CT confirms fusion before closing the incision, avoiding postoperative surprises.
- Regenerative medicine with mesenchymal stem cells and PRP opens the door to biological treatments when surgery isn’t required.
- Augmented reality guides complex osteotomies by projecting the patient’s anatomy onto the surgical field.
This technology, combined with our surgeons’ expertise, has enabled us to treat cases deemed untreatable in other medical settings.
Audited Results
- 92 % of patients experience a ≥ 70 % pain reduction (VAS) at 6 months.
- < 1 % reintervention rate for primary surgeries since 2020.
- Average time to return to work after endoscopy: 9.7 days.
- 200+ international patients treated each year.
Research and Teaching
Our clinical excellence is built on the constant generation of knowledge. Our institute participates in 18 clinical trials on biomaterials and robotic surgery, regularly publishes in indexed journals (Spine Journal, Global Spine…) and organizes AOspine cadaver courses in Barcelona. Additionally, we collaborate with the University of Barcelona and the Karolinska Institute to develop augmented reality projects applied to spinal surgery.
Facilities
You’ll find us at the Hospital Quirón Barcelona – Teknon Complex,
Marquesa Consultation Rooms, Office 24. Vilana Street 12, 08022 Barcelona, Spain, a facility that integrates hybrid operating rooms, private suites, and an in‑house cell‑processing laboratory. We offer:
- 7 laminar‑flow operating rooms.
- A reference ICU and an acute pain unit.
- Simultaneous translation service and concierge for international patients
Global Care
40 % of our patients come from Europe, North America, and the Middle East. A personal coordinator handles visa processing, accommodation arrangements, and translating reports into Spanish, English, French, or German.
Our Values
- Patient safety. Every clinical decision goes through rigorous quality and ethical checks.
- Transparency. We openly share our outcomes and the costs of each treatment.
- Empathy. We treat people, not just conditions.
- Responsible innovation. We only apply technology backed by scientific evidence.
- Sustainability. Efficient resource management and collaboration on charitable projects.
Need a second opinion?
If you’re seeking clear answers, a second opinion, or advanced treatment, you can send us your diagnostic tests for an initial online assessment or schedule an in‑person consultation.