Dr. Beth Gibbons is an expert in minimally invasive surgery that helps patients recover faster.
Beth A. Gibbons, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon with two decades of experience in brain and spine surgery. Dr. Gibbons specializes in a comprehensive range of neurosurgical procedures, including spine surgery, brain tumor resection, and the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. She began seeing patients in August 2024 at Neurosurgery One’s Castle Rock spine surgery and neurosurgery clinic.
We sat down with Dr. Gibbons to learn more about her experience and what drives her passion for patient care.
Where did you train to become a neurosurgeon?
I grew up in Michigan and earned both my undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan. I initially thought I’d pursue family practice or internal medicine, but during my training, I found myself drawn to surgery, particularly neurosurgery. I completed my neurosurgical residency at the University of Vermont, where I spent eight years honing my skills in both general surgery and neurosurgery. After my residency, I moved to Colorado and have been practicing here ever since, now specializing in spine surgery in Castle Rock.
What inspired you to become a neurosurgeon?
I’ve always had a strong interest in science and a desire to help people, which led me to pursue medicine. During medical school, I was fascinated by the complexity and precision required in neurosurgery. I loved the idea that through surgery, I could not only save lives but also help people maintain or regain their quality of life. For instance, when treating someone with a spinal condition, it’s not just about relieving their pain; it’s about helping them get back to the activities they love, whether that’s hiking, skiing or simply enjoying time with their family.
Why did you decide to join Neurosurgery One?
Neurosurgery One offers a patient-centered approach that aligns with my own philosophy of care. The team here is dedicated to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, which I believe is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. I was also drawn to the Castle Rock area because it’s a rapidly growing community with a need for high-quality neurosurgical care. I’m excited to be part of a practice that is expanding to meet the needs of its patients.
What is your approach to minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a key part of my practice, especially for spine conditions. These techniques allow us to perform the necessary procedures through smaller incisions, which typically result in less muscle damage, reduced pain and faster recovery times for patients. I’m committed to using the least invasive methods possible because I believe that this approach not only minimizes the physical toll on the patient but also leads to better long-term outcomes. For me, minimally invasive surgery is about preserving the patient’s quality of life while effectively treating their condition.
Can you explain how minimally invasive spine surgery works?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is an advanced surgical technique that allows us to address spine issues with less disruption to the surrounding muscles and tissues compared to traditional open spine surgery. In a traditional procedure, we make a larger incision and pull muscles away from the bone to access the spine. While this approach is effective, it can cause additional short-term pain during recovery and may increase the risk of complications in nearby areas of the spine over time.
With minimally invasive spine surgery, we use a different approach. Instead of cutting through the muscles, we gently separate them, creating a small, targeted opening through which we can operate. We then use specialized surgical instruments designed for this narrow field of view, allowing us to perform the necessary procedures without the muscle damage associated with traditional surgery.
The benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- a smaller incision, which leads to a shorter recovery time
- reduced blood loss during surgery and a lower risk of infection
- less muscle damage, resulting in less post-operative pain and a quicker return to normal activities
- a shorter time spent in the operating room, which can further reduce complications
Minimally invasive techniques are most commonly used to treat conditions in the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine). These procedures are an excellent option for many patients, especially those looking for a quicker recovery and a return to their daily lives with less discomfort.
What is your approach to patient care?
My approach is to start with the most conservative treatment options and only consider surgery when absolutely necessary. I believe in treating the whole patient, not just the condition, and I work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account their lifestyle and goals. I also place a strong emphasis on patient education. I want my patients to fully understand their diagnosis, the proposed treatment options and what to expect throughout their care journey. Communication is key to building trust and ensuring that my patients feel supported every step of the way.
What do you enjoy outside of neurosurgery?
I’m an avid hiker and skier, which makes Colorado the perfect place for me to live and work. I also enjoy cooking and gardening, and I love spending time outdoors with my family. Being active and staying connected to nature is important to me, and it’s something I encourage in my patients as well.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Gibbons is now seeing patients and providing spine surgery at Neurosurgery One in Castle Rock. She has same-day appointments available for emergencies and can see many new patients within a week. Request an appointment with Dr. Gibbons.
