Second Opinion Surgery in San Diego, CA | Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Clarity. Confidence. The Right Surgical Plan. 

Before deciding on spine or brain surgery, you deserve clarity about your diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon and leading spine and cranial specialist in San Diego, offers trusted second opinions for patients who want reassurance, insight, and confidence in their next steps. 

With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Ghosh helps patients confirm or refine complex treatment plans, often identifying less invasive solutions or advanced surgical techniques for better outcomes. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your second-opinion consultation and make informed choices about your care. 

Why Getting a Second Opinion Matters 

Hearing that you need surgery can feel overwhelming. Many patients are unsure whether it’s the only or best option. 
A second opinion gives you: 

  • Confirmation that surgery is necessary or alternatives to avoid it. 
  • Independent evaluation of your diagnosis and imaging. 
  • Insights into modern minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques. 
  • Confidence that you’re choosing the right surgeon and procedure. 

When to Seek a Second Opinion 

You may benefit from a professional review if you: 

  • Were told you need complex spine surgery or spinal fusion. 
  • Still have pain after a previous operation. 
  • Received conflicting advice from different specialists. 
  • Have imaging results that don’t match your symptoms. 
  • Are unsure whether to choose disc replacement, decompression, or fusion. 
  • Were recently diagnosed with a brain tumor or other cranial condition and want confirmation before treatment. 

Not sure if surgery is your only option? 
Request an in-depth evaluation with Dr. Ghosh to understand all possible paths forward. 
Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online. 

What to Expect from Your Second-Opinion Visit 

Dr. Ghosh’s review focuses on precision, transparency, and patient education. 

During your visit, he will: 

  1. Review prior medical records, imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays), and notes. 
  1. Perform a detailed neurological and physical exam. 
  1. Explain your condition in clear, understandable terms. 
  1. Compare non-surgical and surgical options. 
  1. Provide honest recommendations. Sometimes, surgery isn’t needed. 

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and renewed confidence in your decision. 

Conditions Commonly Reviewed for Second Opinions 

Dr. Ghosh provides second-opinion consultations for a wide range of spine and brain concerns, including: 

  • Herniated, bulging, or collapsed discs 
  • Cervical and lumbar stenosis 
  • Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage) 
  • Radiculopathy and sciatica 
  • Persistent pain after prior spine surgery 
  • Brain tumors or hydrocephalus 
  • Trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial nerve disorders 

Each case is unique, and Dr. Ghosh’s goal is to identify the safest, most effective solution for lasting relief. 

How Dr. Ghosh Helps You Decide 

  • Independent Evaluation: An unbiased review of your diagnosis and surgical plan. 
  • Evidence-Based Guidance: Decisions rooted in imaging, clinical data, and decades of experience. 
  • Minimally Invasive Focus: When possible, smaller incisions and quicker recovery. 
  • Collaborative Approach: Coordination with your current care team or referring physician if requested. 

Whether confirming a recommended surgery or proposing an alternative, Dr. Ghosh ensures every patient leaves empowered and informed. 

Benefits of a Second Opinion 

  • Avoid unnecessary or premature surgery. 
  • Explore advanced, less invasive options. 
  • Gain clarity about your condition. 
  • Understand risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. 
  • Make confident, informed decisions about your health. 

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeon with 20+ years of experience. 
  • Specialist in complex spine and cranial procedures. 
  • Performs surgeries at Scripps Memorial Hospital La JollaUniversity Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla. 
  • Known for clear communication, patient education, and minimally invasive expertise. 

Patients across San Diego County trust Dr. Ghosh for objective evaluations and honest surgical guidance. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for a second opinion?

No. You can schedule directly with Dr. Ghosh for an independent review. 

Yes. Please bring or upload your imaging before your appointment for a thorough evaluation. 

Dr. Ghosh regularly provides second opinions for complex or revision cases to confirm the next best step. 

Never. The goal is clarity, not commitment. 

Yes. Dr. Ghosh offers second opinions for brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and other cranial disorders. 

Trusted Neurosurgical Care Across San Diego County 

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh proudly provides expert second-opinion consultations for patients throughout San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Clairemont, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, La Jolla, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Santee, Scripps Ranch, Solana Beach, and University City / UTC. 

Patients across the region rely on Dr. Ghosh’s Mission Valley clinic for unbiased, compassionate guidance in complex spine and brain care decisions. 

Take the Next Step with Confidence 

Before making a major surgical decision, make sure you have all the facts. 
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh offers comprehensive second opinions to confirm diagnoses, clarify treatment plans, and help patients move forward with confidence. 

Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online to schedule your second-opinion appointment in San Diego today. 

Real Lives Transformed

Patients who regained strength and independence through precise, compassionate care.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

Meet Elisha
Elisha G.
Practice Relations Liaison

Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.

Meet Lauren
Lauren G.
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.

When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.

Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you. Within 30 minutes you were at Rick’s bedside. You were friendly, caring & confident. After examining him you told us he would need two surgeries instead of one. You even called me at home to answer our many questions. Thank you for treating us with such respect. You were available & patient as we tried to make a decision. Once we decided you were the right Dr. we had continuous confirmations that we had chosen the right one. We will be forever grateful to you! You saved my husband’s life and his sight. God used you in a mighty way & He answered our prayers. Thank you for all the work it took to be a Brain Surgeon & to help others like us. You are not only skilled but you are also caring. We appreciate you so much.
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without surgery. I had already been referred to Dr. G’s office by other friends and patients so I’m very comfortable moving forward with Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. The incision, with a little more time will be minimal and not noticeable. The pain I have felt for a long time is gone. I’ve noticed that others feel that Dr. Ghosh and Amanda did not spend enough quality time with them. My time with them was brief. I don’t need alot of hugs and hand holding. I just needed them to provide me with the information I needed to make decisions, which they did to my satisfaction. They are seeing alot of patients. I don’t think it would be fair to others if Dr. Ghosh and Amanda had to spend several hours caring for my psychological needs when all they really needed to do is fix my neck. Amanda is truly capable. I had an issue late on a holiday night. I called. They transferred me to her even though she was at a social event. I explained to her my concerns. She told me what to expect and under what circumstances to come back to the office.For those who felt abandoned and that they didn’t get enough time, you might find other surgeons even more unavailable. Dr. Ghosh stated he was starting to take less patients to try and spend a little more time with each patient. I hope he doesn’t. It won’t be fair to the people who won’t benefit from his talents. A special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Melissa
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery.  She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.

Meet Deborah
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C

Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Felix
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C

Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine.  Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.

Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Amanda
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs.   Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants.  Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.

When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women
2025 Healthcare Pioneer Finalist