Revolutionary Lifesaving Brain Tumor SurgeryWaking Up A 51-Year-Old Woman from Coma at MGM Healthcare

Chennai, July 7, 2024: MGM Healthcare proudly announces a landmark achievement in medical history with the successful completion of a critical brain tumor in the skull base surgery on a 51-year-old woman from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This groundbreaking procedure highlights our commitment to advancing medical science and providing exceptional patient care.

The complex and timely surgery was performed by a team of neurosurgeons under the guidance of Dr. Roopesh Kumar, Director of Neurosurgery at MGM Healthcare, along with Dr. L. S. Harishchandra and Dr. Saranyan, both consultants in neurosurgery at MGM Healthcare, and Dr. Arulvelan, Neuro Anesthetist, MGM Healthcare. The patient, Ms. Sheela (name changed), was airlifted from a private hospital in Andaman to MGM Healthcare, Chennai, in an unconscious state.

Ms. Sheela was unaware of the large, 8 cm brain tumor of the skull base, which came to light after she underwent a uterus removal surgery for a separate issue. The doctors in Andaman had performed the surgery using spinal anesthesia, which was successful, but the change in the brain fluid dynamics following spinal anesthesia caused a sudden increase in brain pressure,which led to brain herniation and coma. 

Within two days of the uterus removal surgery, Ms. Sheela became very drowsy and unresponsive. The doctors in Andaman and Nicobar Islands performed a brain scan, which revealed thelarge brain tumor inside her skull. Concerned for her condition, Ms. Sheela’s family approached the neurosurgery team at MGM Healthcare for further consultation. The doctors immediately recommended airlifting her from Andaman to Chennai for brain tumor removal surgery.

Upon arrival, the neurosurgery department decided to go ahead with an emergency brain tumour removal surgery, which was the only option to save the patient’s life. Dr. Roopesh Kumar and team performed the surgery using a complex skull-based approach, successfully removing the 8 cm tumor involving major blood channels on the right side of the brain while preserving the surrounding vessels.

Dr. Roopesh Kumar shared his thoughts on the surgery: “This case presented significant complexities due to the tumor’s size, requiring meticulous planning and precision under the background of a decompensated brain pressure. Utilizing advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technologies,we achieved remarkable accuracy in targeting and excising the tumor completely. The patient’s right side of the brain was swollen and pushed over the left side due to large edema, making it a life-threatening situation. Her timely arrival saved her life; even a one-day delay could have been fatal. The patient’s recovery has been promising, reflecting the efficacy of our approach. This case underscores the importance of continual advancements in neurosurgery and the dedication of our medical team. We are optimistic about the patient’s future and committed to supporting her ongoing recovery.”

Ms. Sheela was discharged on her fifth postoperative day and is advised to stay in Chennai for another week for observation before flying back to Andaman. Her family thanked the doctors and MGM Healthcare management for providing timely state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.

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