Dr. Carolyn Siu Wuan Lai – Neurosurgeon | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Carolyn Siu Wuan Lai is a dedicated Neurosurgeon specializing in the surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system in adult patients. Practicing at a neurosurgery department within a major hospital in Kelowna, BC, she is an integral part of the local surgical and medical community. Dr. Lai adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her practice focuses on providing comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting the nervous system, including trauma, tumors, and degenerative diseases, with a commitment to improving patient outcomes through advanced techniques and compassionate care.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Neurosurgeon, with certifications including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training and certification ensure she is well-equipped to deliver expert neurosurgical services in her community.

Dr. Lai’s clinical philosophy centers on patient safety, precision surgery, and the utilization of state-of-the-art technology. She believes in a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans for each patient. Dedicated to providing care in English, she strives to create a supportive environment for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures in Kelowna.

Dr. Carolyn Lai surgically treats a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

Peripheral Nerve Disorders (Surgical Management)

• Traumatic Nerve Injuries (requiring repair or grafting): Severe injuries to peripheral nerves that may benefit from surgical exploration, repair, or nerve grafting.
• Peripheral Nerve Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Benign or malignant tumors arising from peripheral nerves that may require surgical excision.
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - surgical cases): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, potentially requiring surgical decompression or transposition.

Cerebrovascular Disorders (Requiring Surgical Intervention)

• Cerebral Aneurysms (Unruptured & Ruptured): A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH - select cases for evacuation): Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, where surgical evacuation may be considered for large or life-threatening hematomas.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm.

Functional Neurosurgery & Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Medically Refractory Epilepsy (for surgical evaluation): Epilepsy that continues despite trials of multiple anti-seizure medications, prompting consideration for surgical interventions.
• Spasticity (severe, for Baclofen pump or selective dorsal rhizotomy consideration): Severe muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially managed with implantable drug delivery systems or nerve root surgery.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain, potentially treated with microvascular decompression.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific neurosurgical condition, please consult with Dr. Carolyn Lai.

• Epilepsy Surgery (e.g., Temporal Lobectomy, Lesionectomy, Corpus Callosotomy - in selected cases): Surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy, aimed at removing or disconnecting the seizure focus.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantation & Management (for Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, Pain): Surgical placement of electrodes in specific brain areas and programming of the stimulation device for conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, or epilepsy.
• Syrinx (Syringomyelia) Decompression Surgery: Procedures to drain or shunt fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Neurosurgical Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed surgical or non-surgical treatment plans.
• Pre-Surgical Planning & Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation to determine surgical candidacy, optimize patient condition before surgery, and discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Surgery for Spinal Trauma & Fractures: Decompression and stabilization procedures for injuries to the spinal column and spinal cord.
• Surgery for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Emergency and elective procedures for TBI, including craniotomy for hematoma evacuation, management of skull fractures, and intracranial pressure monitoring.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Neurosurgical treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Lai for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant neurosurgical care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Lai's practice is situated within a modern neurosurgery clinic at a hospital in Kelowna's Upper Mission, Kettle Valley neighborhood. The facility offers convenient access from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and is close to Orchard Park Shopping Centre. Patients can reach the location easily via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing flexible parking solutions for visitors.

Are consultations and neurosurgical procedures with Dr. Lai, a Neurosurgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Neurosurgeon like Dr. Lai, as well as most diagnostic imaging reviews and provincially insured neurosurgical procedures (e.g., for tumors, spine conditions, aneurysms), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some advanced technologies, specific implantable devices, or purely elective/cosmetic procedures may have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Lai's office, the hospital's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) prior to any major procedure.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lai, a Neurosurgeon?

Yes, a referral from your family physician, an emergency room physician, or another specialist (like a neurologist or oncologist) is almost always required to see a Neurosurgeon such as Dr. Lai. Neurosurgical conditions are typically complex and require initial assessment and investigation before a neurosurgical consultation is appropriate. The referral ensures coordinated care and that you are directed to the right specialist.

When might someone need to see a Neurosurgeon?

A referral to a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Lai is typically made by another physician when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical intervention or specialized neurosurgical assessment. This can include brain tumors, spinal disc herniations causing severe nerve compression, spinal stenosis, traumatic brain or spine injuries, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), hydrocephalus, some forms of epilepsy, or peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes not responding to conservative treatment.

Does Dr. Lai perform minimally invasive neurosurgery?

Many neurosurgeons, including potentially Dr. Lai, utilize minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques when appropriate for the patient's condition. These techniques involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often advanced imaging guidance, which can lead to reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. You should ask Dr. Lai if minimally invasive options are suitable for your specific neurosurgical needs.

What does a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Lai specialize in?

A Neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrovascular system (blood vessels of the brain and spine), and peripheral nerves. She is a Neurosurgeon specializing in surgical treatment of the brain, spine, and nerves. Dr. Lai performs a range of surgical procedures to address these conditions.

What are the general risks associated with neurosurgery?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. For neurosurgery, these can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or problems with speech or vision), depending on the area being operated on. There's also the risk that the surgery may not fully alleviate the symptoms or that the underlying condition may recur. Dr. Lai will discuss the specific risks and potential benefits of your proposed surgery in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

303-3320 Richter St
Kelowna, BC V1W 4V5

Phone: (250) 763-2999

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lai is a licensed Neurosurgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Lai for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337412/Lai%2CCarolyn