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Michael Opoku-Darko, MD

Patient Rating
4.8 out of 5 Patient Rating
75 Ratings
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A Specialist in Neurosurgery

Michael Opoku-Darko, MD, is a board-certified general neurosurgeon with special training in the removal of inoperable brain tumors while preserving neurological function. He offers advanced surgical options for both brain and spine conditions, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and protect healthy tissue.

The brain and cranial surgeries he offers include:

  • Brain tumor surgery with functional mapping
  • Minimally invasive brain tumor resection
  • GammaTile therapy
  • Microvascular decompression
  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy

Spine care he provides includes:

  • Minimally invasive spine surgery
  • Microforaminotomy
  • Microdiscectomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Artificial disc replacement
  • Cervical spine fusion
  • Lumbar spine fusion
  • Spinal tumors 
  • Basivertebral nerve ablation/INTRACEPT

Speaks: English

Specialties

Types of Care

  • Spine Surgery

(605) 312-8500

Background Information

Education & Training History

Fellowship:
Surgical Neuro-Oncology: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Residency:
Neurosurgery: University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Medical School:
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Board Certifications:
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada: Neurosurgery

Experience & Research

Selected Research

Characteristics of shunt failure in 38,095 adult shunt insertion surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Isaacs AM, Yang R, Cadieux M, Ben-Israel D, Sader N, Opoku-Darko M, Frizon L, Yong H, Premji Z, Nagel S, Hamilton MG. Neurosurg Focus. 2023 Apr;54(4):E2.

Clinical utility of brain biopsy for presumed CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma. Brown DA, Goyal A, Richter KR, Haglin JM, Himes BT, Lu VM, Snyder K, Hughes J, Decker PA. Opoku-Darko M, Link MJ, Burns TC, Parney IF. J Neurosurg. 2021 Jul 2:1-10

Primary and metastatic glioblastoma of the spine in the pediatric population: a systematic review. Yang R, Isaacs AM, Cadieux M, Hirmer TJ, CreveCoeur TS, Lapointe AP, Opoku-Darko M, Premji Z, Riva-Cambrin J, Gallagher CN. Childs Nerv Syst. 2021 Jun;37(6):1849-1858.

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Idea of Care

It's a privilege to offer my expertise to some of the most vulnerable patients in medicine. I believe in establishing a strong surgeon-patient relationship to enhance proper assessment of the needs and expectations of each patient and their family before performing any surgical procedures.

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Dr. Opoku-Darko enjoys listening to music, playing soccer and spending time with his family.

Additional Locations

Sanford Brain and Spine Center Sioux Falls

Van Demark Building
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

(605) 312-8500

Sanford Watertown Clinic

901 Fourth St. NW
Watertown, South Dakota 57201

(605) 886-8471

Ratings & Reviews

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