Dr. Ernesto Martínez de la Maza

I´m

Dr. Ernesto Martínez de la Maza

I am a neurosurgeon specialized in spine surgery, a graduate of Universidad La Salle. I completed my entire training at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Manuel Velasco Suárez," where I specialized in Neurosurgery and subsequently in Spine Surgery.

I trained under Dr. Roger Härtl in the United States, one of the world's leading authorities in spine neurosurgery, where I focused on Virtual Reality applied to the spine, Minimally Invasive Techniques, and Endoscopic Spine Surgery.

I completed my international training with a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Bonifatius Hospital in Lingen, Germany, where I had the opportunity to serve as first assistant with direct exposure to complex cases.

My distinctive area of expertise is the treatment of Intramedullary Tumors—highly complex cases in which I use advanced neuromonitoring technology (D-wave) that allows me to predict and preserve neurological function during surgery.

I come from a family with three generations devoted to neurosurgery, which has taught me that what matters most is always putting the patient first, maintaining transparency and honesty in every medical decision.

My philosophy is clear: surgery is always the last option. I work to exhaust every conservative alternative before considering a surgical procedure, and when surgery is necessary, I use the least invasive techniques and the most advanced technology available.

The 3 Questions That Define My Practice

If I have all three answers right, the probability of failure is reduced to a minimum.

Do I know how to perform this type of surgery?

Knowing the theory isn't enough. I need hands-on experience, specific training, and sufficient exposure to this type of case. If the answer is yes, I move forward. If I have any doubts, I seek further training or refer the patient to a colleague with greater experience.

Is this surgery indicated for this patient?

A technically perfect surgery has no value if it wasn't what the patient needed. I assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks, whether there are less invasive alternatives, and whether this surgery will truly improve the patient's quality of life.

Is there someone who can perform this surgery better than I can?

This is perhaps the hardest question, but also the most important. Recognizing my limits is not a weakness—it's professional honesty. If a colleague has greater experience with a particular case, my duty is to step aside.

Absolute Transparency

I firmly believe in telling things exactly as they are. When a patient comes to my office, they deserve:

• Honesty about their diagnosis, without downplaying or exaggerating its severity

•  Clarity about all of their options, from the most conservative to the most invasive

• Complete information about risks and benefits, including potential complications

• Realistic expectations for recovery, with no impossible promises

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