Dr Colum Nolan is a spine neurosurgeon in Singapore with extensive experience managing degenerative, traumatic, and complex spinal disorders. His clinical approach prioritises precision, safety, and long-term spinal function, using advanced surgical technologies where appropriate.
As a spine neurosurgeon in Singapore, Dr Nolan has particular expertise in minimally invasive (keyhole) spine surgery, cervical disc replacement, and motion-preserving spine procedures. He also performs navigation-guided and robotic-assisted spine surgery to enhance surgical accuracy and reduce tissue disruption. His scope of practice includes spinal tumours, trauma, spinal cord compression, scoliosis, and degenerative spinal conditions.
Education & Professional Training
- MB, BCh, BAO, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
- Basic Surgical Training, Dublin
- Neurosurgical training in Ireland
- Neurosurgery training, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia
- Complex Spine Surgery Fellowship, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Additional specialist training at the Orthopaedic Spine Unit, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, UK
Subspecialty Expertise
- Minimally invasive (keyhole) spine surgery
- Motion-preservation spine surgery, including cervical disc replacement
- Spinal navigation and robotic-assisted spine surgery
- Management of spinal tumours, trauma, and spinal cord compression
Contributions to Public Healthcare
Dr Nolan previously served as Director of the Spine & Spinal Disorders Programme at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and as Head of Neurosurgery Service at Sengkang General Hospital.
In addition, he held academic appointments at Duke-NUS Medical School and has contributed to international publications and clinical education in spine surgery.
Key Focus Areas
- Persistent neck and back pain
- Disc herniation, sciatica, and nerve compression
- Cervical spine conditions and motion-preserving surgery
- Spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal deformity
- Spinal tumours, fractures, and traumatic spine injuries
- Minimally invasive and navigation-guided spine procedures
Clinical Approach
Dr Nolan emphasises thorough diagnostic assessment and clear explanation of treatment options. He aims to help patients understand their condition and choose treatments that balance symptom relief, spinal stability, and recovery time.
Where suitable, minimally invasive approaches are used to reduce tissue disruption, support faster rehabilitation, and minimise postoperative discomfort. He also places strong emphasis on coordinated follow-up within a dedicated spine and neurosurgery setting.
Articles
The Brain and the Brawn: Dialogue with A Doctor, Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre, Medical Director Dr Colum Nolan
Videos
