Yaw Sarpong, MD, FAANS, MBA
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Yaw Sarpong is a board-certified neurosurgeon and the newest member of the team at North Texas Brain & Spine Specialists. Dr. Sarpong always had a passion for medicine and he is very excited to be one of the leaders at the cutting edge of neurosurgery. "Neurosurgery is experiencing significant advancements, with evolving technologies such as minimally invasive robotic assisted surgery, integration of artificial Intelligence, advances in imaging, and the increased popularity of regenerative medicine. We’re seeing improvements in the diagnosing and treatment of neurological conditions almost every day as we learn more about treating a wide range of neurological and spinal conditions, with faster recovery times and better patient outcomes. I love being part of this groundbreaking period in medicine that’s making a difference in people’s lives.”
Dr. Sarpong specializes in open and minimally invasive treatment of spinal diseases. Dr. Sarpong is also an expert in the treatment of intracranial and spinal masses. Additionally, he utilizes neuro-navigation and microscope navigation to treat intracranial and spinal diseases. He has served as the neurosurgical representative for the State of Oregon Trauma Board.
Dr. Sarpong has worked at many prestigious hospitals across the Midwest and has now joined the team at North Texas Brain & Spine Specialists. “I’ve known the physicians at North Texas Brain & Spine Specialists for some time and have always wanted to work with them as a team and as colleagues. I feel honored to join such a world-renowned and respected practice,” Dr. Sarpong said.
“I knew before I joined that we shared the same philosophy of surgery being the last resort, after all nonsurgical options have been explored. I also knew this was a practice committed to finding the root cause of a patient’s problem and then taking the time to speak with the patient and educate them about the many available treatments that can very often provide relief before we resort to surgery.”
When surgery is the best option, Dr. Sarpong is trained and experienced in robot-assisted surgery. “The robot allows us to operate with a minimum of cutting, less bleeding, less trauma to the body, less risk of infection, and much shorter recovery times,” Dr. Sarpong said. “More importantly, it makes surgery more precise for greatly improved outcomes for all kinds of surgery. Being able to provide the least-invasive option means our patients recover faster and better.”
ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY
Robot-assisted spine and brain surgery uses robotic technology to help Dr. Sarpong perform procedures with more precision and safety. Here’s how it works. Dr. Sarpong uses the technology to merge CT and X-ray images and create a precise 3D map of the patient’s anatomy. Then, while he remains in control, he employs the robot to follow that map and guide him throughout surgery. With his guidance, the robot can perform precise movements in small spaces and challenging anatomy and perform repetitive tasks with accuracy and consistency, tasks that in the past often led to fatigue-related errors in traditional surgeries. The robot also reduces radiation exposure for the patient and the surgical team.
When not in the hospital, Dr. Sarpong enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, reading, exercising, and traveling to new places to experience other cultures. “My wife and I absolutely love food and find pure joy in exploring diverse flavors from different cultures, blending spices, techniques, and Provider Tab traditions to create unforgettable culinary experiences,” he said. “My son, Kenzou, and I love being out in nature. He especially loves anything to do with water so I’m excited to take him to explore multiple beaches, soaking in the sun, the waves, and creating ocean adventures together. We’re looking forward to becoming part of the North Dallas community, a great place to raise kids.”
His unique approach to spine care involves a comprehensive care model. “In our clinic, we have a comprehensive approach to spine care. From educating you about your disease process to assisting with choices of effective non-surgical treatment modalities, and when indicated you will be offered the latest in minimally invasive spine surgery.”
