Testimonials
Real Stories, Measurable Results
Nothing explains our work better than the experience of those who have returned to a pain‑free life. On this page we compile verified testimonials from local and international patients who arrived at Complex Spine Institute with herniated discs, craniocervical instability, failed surgeries, or other complex conditions—and today enjoy a renewed quality of life.
Each account reflects the pillars that define our method—minimally invasive surgery, cutting‑edge technology, and multidisciplinary support—and validates the metrics we track continuously: 92 % significant pain reduction and under 1 % reintervention rate.
We invite you to read these stories—videos, written reviews, and audio recordings—to see firsthand how a personalized treatment plan, backed by the expertise of Dr. Gilete and Dr. Covaro, can transform the outlook for the most challenging spinal pathologies.
“It’s been three months since I had surgery. I am so grateful for my surgeon and medical team there. Every step of the way they were there. Two nights before surgery I had more questions about it and unknown to us at the time Dr Gilete had already traveled 45 minutes home. After he was told we had questions he came back and spent an hour going over our questions and the scans. He wanted us to know everything so we were comfortable moving forward. Two days before that he and the other neurosurgeon spent TWO hours going over all my scans from the previous nine months all the way up to my new ones and showed us the exact surgical plan. Staying in touch with them has been a breeze. They answer questions quickly and have completely become family. Watch out Teknon, you’re getting a Christmas card every year.” – Brooke, USA
“After visiting various specialists in search of a proper diagnosis—after more than a month unable to sit, taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers—we went to see Dr. Covaro. Dr. Covaro reviewed the imaging studies provided, gave us a clear and accurate diagnosis (L3–L4 disc herniation), performed a masterful surgical procedure, and made it possible to have a good and rapid recovery. My elderly father regained the quality of life he thought he’d never have back in just a few hours. A true professional. You couldn’t ask for more. Thank you so much, doctor, for the excellent work and care provided by you and your team!” – Pere FG, Spain
“It’s safe to say the surgery was the best decision I could have ever made! I’m incredibly—beyond-words—grateful for everyone involved in Barcelona. It’s such an amazing feeling to be in a lot less pain and be able to be more active—something I have not been able to experience for almost ten years. Since my partner and I have been together for so many years we could not wait to plan a small wedding ceremony to celebrate this new beginning. Even if I didn’t know for sure if I would be able to do it, we had a lot of help and luck and five months after the surgery we did it! This would not be possible without all of you.” – Katarina, Sweden
“I have nothing but words of gratitude for Dr. Covaro; he operated on my mother, who had suffered for years from a back problem (compression of the spinal canal nerve). Over the past two years her quality of life had worsened, as it became increasingly difficult for her to walk without having to sit down at every moment – so much so that she hardly left the house – until she found Dr. Covaro, and within two weeks he performed the surgery, which was a resounding success and a life‑changing moment for my mother. She is now undergoing rehabilitation, but she can already go outside and no longer needs to look for somewhere to sit all the time. I can say that he has radically changed her life.” – Feli, Spain
“Dr. Gilete operated on me last June for two lumbar herniated discs. Both the operation and the recovery were faster than I expected. In fact, I very rapidly regained the strength I had lost in my leg and started walking. Now I walk between 4 and 5 km without any problems! The pain in my leg and back has disappeared. We are very pleased with his professionalism and the treatment received by Dr. Gilete. As for the facilities, we have nothing to say because they are known for the quality they offer. Without a doubt we would definitely recommend Dr. Gilete.” – Joan Josep, Barcelona
“It’s been three months since my surgery—a lumbar arthrodesis for an L5–S1 spondylolisthesis. I’m very pleased with the results; my recovery has been quite favorable. After ten years of pain, thanks to Dr. Covaro I can say he has changed my life. Thank you, Doctor, and to all the clinic staff for the excellent care received.” – Edil Jiménez Cabrera, Spain
“At age 50 in 2013, I was hit from behind at a red light. As a result of the car accident, I received a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and neck injuries. My symptoms concurred with brainstem impact and I had pain in my head that was unbearable. The doctors in Sweden suspected an injury in the upper cervicals but did not investigate further and told me: we have no procedures for injuries located high up in the neck. I was getting worse and realized I needed to find health care providers who could treat these types of injuries. In November 2019 I met Dr. Gilete for consultation. In March 2020, Dr. Gilete performed a C0–C2 and C4–C6 fusion with traction. Several symptoms disappeared after the operation and others were significantly reduced. I got some of my life back and best of all—the surgery stopped the deterioration that had escalated. My life is now bearable. I have regained strength so I can spend time with my children and grandchildren. My family is so happy to see me feeling better.” – Ulla, Sweden
“Today I come here to thank Doctor Augusto Covaro. After a lumbar laminectomy and an L5–S1 arthrodesis, I can say without a doubt that he is an outstanding professional with great humanity, who has made it possible for me to play with my grandson at his level, to pick him up and hold him in my arms. Thanks also to everyone at the Complex Spine Institute, who made it possible for me to be here today. To anyone in need of a spine specialist reading these lines, I wholeheartedly recommend a great professional and an even better person. Thank you, Doctor Covaro.” – María Gloria Jiménez López, Spain
“Dr Gilete, from the moment I made contact, replied so rapidly. I felt he was positive, trusting, professional, understanding, and empathetic to my personal situation. I needed specialist surgery in a country that was not my own, and he made it simple. Dr Gilete made me feel safe in Barcelona from the moment we met in person for our consultation, through the operation stage, and to the final moment of discharge from the hospital. I have a genetic condition that affects the support of all my joints, so it’s safe to say I’ve seen many doctors over the years and had major surgical procedures carried out. The best standard of care from start to finish has been from Dr Gilete and his team. I would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat!” – Nina, UK
“No me salen las palabras, para mi es el mejor traumatologo que puede existir, y se de lo que hablo, gracias a el estoy operada, si no llega a ser por el, aun estaria con mis insoportables dolores, le debo media vida de la mia, no hay palabras para agradecer su gran profesionalidad, ya que vuelvo a sonreir y a ver la vida como era antes.
Tras un largo tiempo acostada en la cama sin poderme mover por mi gran dolor causado por una hernia discal, el fue el UNICO entre muchos especialitas, que tenia claro que tenia que ser operada, y no se equivoco, y menos mal. DR. COVARO mil gracias.” – Erica López, Spain
“Dr. Gilete was the first doctor in many that I have seen in 23 years to accurately diagnose me with CCI and AAI, and to offer me an actual treatment. He was also the first doctor who genuinely believed my story and my symptoms, and told me that I wasn’t crazy. My meeting with him felt like a validation of everything I went through for more than two decades after I hit my head in my teens. Although the decision for surgery was hard to make, I haven’t regretted it for a second. Dr. Gilete and the rest of the team are not only very experienced and professional, they are also warm, understanding, and go out of their way to make you as comfortable as can be during such a challenging time. Since my brain fog has almost completely disappeared, I feel I am slowly but surely becoming myself again. After a year of not being able to take care of my children, I now get to have dinner with them, make sandcastles, and help them with schoolwork. I already feel I’ve gained so much from the surgery.” – Rozemarijn, Netherlands
“Dr. Gilete and his team saved my life. I was able to put my wheelchair to the side for now after six and a half years of relying on it to get around. I managed a four‑mile walk alone a few weeks ago. The biggest life changer has been that I have not had a single seizure since waking up from surgery. Before surgery I was in an extreme amount of pain and fatigue, only awake a few hours at a time. My speech and swallowing were going downhill. When my head would slip backwards I would have trouble breathing. My short‑term memory was unreliable and my ability to hold conversations was severely lacking. After only three and a half months after waking up in the ICU after surgery, I was on a plane alone traveling to America to see family and make some amazing memories! I couldn’t thank or recommend their team enough. The whole team was so supportive. They most definitely saved my life.” – Ellen, UK
“In February 2017 I had craniocervical fusion with Dr. Gilete and his team at Teknon hospital. From the moment I became their patient they were very caring and respectful. Their knowledge as well as their compassion amazed me. I felt safe and very well cared for before the surgery, during surgery and recovery as well as afterwards. I trusted them with my life and if needed I would do it again. I’m now slowly getting my life back from being mostly bed bound for several years. The pain is minimal and all previous symptoms caused by the instability are gone. I am forever grateful to them.” – Lisa, Sweden