Gleneagles Global Health City Successfully Performed Breakthrough Surgery by Removing Two Mirror Image Tumor in the Eloquent Brain

Chennai, September , 2023: Gleneagles Global Health City a leading tertiary care hospital in Perumbakkam, Chennaihas successfully performed India’s first breakthrough complex brain surgery of a 38-year-old man from Chennai. A team of expert Neurosurgeons effectively removed two tumors in Mirror Image fashion in both left and right side of the eloquent brain. Usually, this surgery is very risky in nature, because if complications occur the patient could turn blind. They went ahead and risks were explained to the patient and surgery done in timely manner to save the life of 38-year-old professional. The surgery was conducted in two-stages and took just over 10 hours in total.

38-year-old professional from Chennai had a rare incidence of having tumor on both the right and left side of the brain. The size of each tumor was of 5 x 7 cms and were located in the parieto-occipital area of the right and left side of the brain, the area concerned with vision. The professional had exhibited symptoms like recurrent headaches with visual seizures for the past three months.

Dr. Nigel P Symss and his team conducted several assessments and special MRI scans on the patient prior to the surgery. Thepatient was advised to undergo two-staged procedure called Right and Left Parieto Occipital Craniotomy and excision of space occupying lesion, which is considered as one of the high-risk procedures in brain surgery. The conduct of the surgery is dependent on precision, expertise and high-end technology, using Microneurosurgery, Navigation and Intraoperative Neuromonitoring. The patient was counselled and was prepared for this two-staged high-risk procedure. It was also informed that the delay in the removal of the tumors could result in worsening of vision and other serious complications. 

The patient first underwent right parieto-occipital craniotomy and excision of right parieto occipital lesion. Post operative period were uneventful and he was discharged home after 5 days. He was prepared for second stage surgery conducted two weeks later and the left parieto occipital craniotomy and excision of left parieto occipital lesion was done. Post the staged procedures patient has recovered and he continues to have 80 to 90 percent of his vision in both eyes without complications and he was discharged after four days post the second successful surgery.

Praising the team on the success of the case, Dr. Alok Khullar, CEO, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai said, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this difficult surgery. It is India’s first breakthrough surgery in this location, and our hospital is proud to be associated with it. Our team of doctors’ excellent knowledge and surgical talents, along with recent technological breakthroughs, have enabled this young man to live a normal life.”

Explaining about the case, Dr. Nigel Symss, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, said, bilateral “Parieto Occipital Craniotomy involves high risk as the procedure includes opening of the skull on both sides and removing tumour from the area of brain concerned with vision, and any complications can cause blindness to the patient. The surgical process was cumbersome as there was the removal of two tumors on either side of the brain in a critical part of the brain. It was a risk but essential to conduct this procedure as the patient was in a condition which could save his life or further leave him blind. This surgery is definitely a breakthrough and showcases our expertise and technical advancements offered by our hospital.”

“It’s a new beginning for me, a chance to embrace life and all its possibilities. The skilled medical team and their dedication made this possible, and I am filled with hope for a brighter and healthier future. This surgery has given me a second chance at life, and I am determined to make the most of it, cherishing each moment and valuing the gift of good health”, said the Patient. 

Speaking about Brain Tumor cases in India, Dr Dinesh Nayak, Director of Department of Neurology & Advanced center for Epilepsy, Gleneagles Global Health City said, “The incidence of brain tumors ranges from 5 to 10 per 100,000 people in India. The symptoms and indicators of a brain tumor differ depending on which area of the brain is affected. The first and most common symptom is headache, which can be severe and prolonged, and is often accompanied by vomiting. Seizures, weakness or one-sided paralysis of limbs, vision, hearing, or speech abnormalities, and memory issues or behavioural changes are among the additional symptoms. To confirm the brain tumor, patients must undergo an MRI or CT scan of the brain. Surgery, known as craniotomy and tumor excision, is the primary treatment for various types of brain tumors” added, Dr. Dinesh Nayak

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