China performs approximately 200,000 neurosurgical procedures annually, including over 80,000 brain tumor surgeries. Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, is one of the world’s largest neurosurgery centers, performing over 15,000 surgeries annually. For patients with brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease, China has world-class neurosurgeons and neurologists. This article introduces five verifiable top specialists.
Neurosurgery vs. Neurology: Understanding the Difference
Neurosurgery: Primarily surgical treatment, including brain tumor resection, cerebrovascular malformation surgery, and spinal cord surgery. Suitable for patients requiring surgical intervention.
Neurology: Primarily medical treatment, including medical management of cerebrovascular diseases (cerebral infarction, hemorrhage), epilepsy medication, Parkinson’s disease management, and headache/dizziness treatment. Suitable for patients who do not require surgery or need medical management before/after surgery.
Selection Guide: If imaging reveals tumors, vascular malformations, or lesions requiring surgical decompression, consult a neurosurgeon. For cerebral infarction, Parkinson’s disease, medication-controlled epilepsy, or headaches, consult a neurologist.
Top Neurosurgeons
1. Dr. Jiang Tao (江涛), Academician—China’s Glioma Treatment Leader
Basic Information:
Hospital: Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University Title: Academician of CAE, Chief Physician, Professor Director of Neurosurgery Center, Director of Beijing Neurosurgery Institute Areas of Expertise:
Brain glioma: Precision surgery and comprehensive treatment for all glioma types Functional protection surgery: Preserving language and motor function during tumor surgery in eloquent areas Molecular targeted therapy: Glioma targeted drug development Key Achievements and Data:
37 years dedicated to glioma clinical and basic research Developed the world’s first approved small-molecule targeted drug for glioma (berutinib) Published 100+ SCI papers in Nature Genetics, Acta Neuropathologica, and others Led establishment of China’s first multidisciplinary clinic for innovative glioma treatment Recipient of “Bethune Medal” Source: Xinhua News Agency, CNR News, Beijing Tiantan Hospital official website Ideal for:
2. Dr. Zhang Liwei (张力伟), Chief Physician—Skull Base and Brainstem Tumor Authority
Basic Information:
Hospital: Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University Title: Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor Former Vice President, Deputy Director of National Center for Neurological Diseases Areas of Expertise:
Skull base tumors: Acoustic neuroma, pituitary tumors, skull base meningioma Brainstem lesions: Brainstem glioma, brainstem cavernous malformation Microsurgical treatment of complex brain tumors Key Achievements and Data:
Discovered PPM1D gain-of-function mutation specific to brainstem glioma, cited over 100 times by NEJM, Lancet Oncology, and other top journals Pioneered liquid biopsy research for brainstem glioma, providing new methods for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring Led over 10 national-level research projects including the National “12th Five-Year” Science and Technology Support Program President of Chinese Medical Doctor Association Neurosurgery Branch Executive Member of World Federation of Skull Base Societies (WFSBS) Source: Haodf.com, National Center for Neurological Diseases Ideal for:
3. Dr. Zhang Junting (张俊廷), Chief Physician—Complex Brain Tumor Surgery Specialist
Basic Information:
Hospital: Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University Title: Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor Areas of Expertise:
Complex brain tumors: Deep-seated brain tumors, skull base tumors High-difficulty neurosurgical procedures Brainstem tumors Key Achievements and Data:
Decades of clinical experience at Tiantan Hospital’s neurosurgery department, performing numerous high-difficulty brain tumor surgeries Highly accomplished in microsurgical treatment of complex brain tumors Source: Baidu Health, Haodf.com Ideal for:
Top Neurologists
4. Dr. Ji Xunming (吉训明), Academician—Cerebrovascular Disease Specialist
Basic Information:
Hospital: Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Title: Academician of CAE, Chief Physician, Professor Department of Neurology Areas of Expertise:
Cerebrovascular diseases: Cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage Interventional treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease Posterior circulation ischemic stroke Key Achievements and Data:
Pioneering contributions to diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases 2026: Published important research on thrombectomy for posterior circulation ischemic stroke Xuanwu Hospital’s neurology department is among the top-ranked nationally Source: Xuanwu Hospital official website, Capital Medical University News Ideal for:
5. Dr. Zhao Guoguang (赵国光), Chief Physician—Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Specialist
Basic Information:
Hospital: Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Title: Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor President of Xuanwu Hospital, Director of Functional Neurosurgery Center Areas of Expertise:
Surgical treatment of refractory epilepsy Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease Functional neurosurgical disorders Key Achievements and Data:
Xuanwu Hospital’s Functional Neurosurgery Center is the world’s largest DBS implantation center Consistently leading global DBS surgical volume for many years National Neurosurgical Robot Application Demonstration Project Training Base Source: Xuanwu Hospital official website Ideal for:
Neurosurgery Data in China
| Procedure | Annual Volume (China) | Annual Volume (Tiantan) | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glioma Surgery | ~40,000 | ~3,000 | Gross total resection >80% |
| Aneurysm Clipping | ~30,000 | ~2,000 | Success rate >95% |
| Pituitary Tumor Surgery | ~20,000 | ~1,500 | Gross total resection >90% |
| Acoustic Neuroma Surgery | ~5,000 | ~500 | Facial nerve preservation >90% |
| DBS (Parkinson’s) | ~5,000 | ~800 | Efficacy rate >95% |
Cost Reference
| Treatment | China Cost (USD) | US Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Craniotomy for Brain Tumor | $7,000-21,000 | $100,000-300,000 |
| Aneurysm Clipping | $11,000-28,000 | $100,000-300,000 |
| DBS (Parkinson’s) | $21,000-35,000 | $100,000-200,000 |
| Cerebrovascular Intervention | $7,000-21,000 | $50,000-150,000 |
Recommendations for International Patients
Imaging Data: Bring CT/MRI discs in DICOM format, which Chinese hospitals can read directly Pathology Review: Brain tumor patients should bring pathology slides to Tiantan Hospital for pathology consultation Multidisciplinary Consultation: Both Tiantan and Xuanwu Hospitals offer neuro-oncology MDT consultations Post-operative Follow-up: Long-term follow-up is typically required after neurosurgery; establish remote follow-up channels with your primary physician
