What is changing the landscape of brain tumour surgery is the precision and accuracy of accessing the tumour using minimally invasive techniques!
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells that can grow uncontrollably in the brain. A benign tumour doesn’t have cancer cells, grows slowly, and tends not to spread from the original position. However, a malignant tumour can be more harmful as it can grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the brain.
A brain tumour can produce a range of symptoms and affect varied areas of the brain, depending on its location and growth rate. Most of the symptoms associated with brain tumours are generic. Also, the condition can develop in all age groups, from children to old adults.
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in the field of neurosciences on the management and treatment of brain tumours which have not only enhanced our understanding of the condition but have also led to improved patient outcomes.
Brain Tumour
Removal: Minimised Surgical
Invasiveness
Traditional brain tumour surgery requires intensive surgical procedures to access the tumour. The development of diversified optical instruments and sophisticated tumour navigation tools have minimised surgical invasiveness. What is changing the landscape of brain tumour surgery is the precision and accuracy of removing the tumour using minimally invasive methods. The new advancements are allowing brain surgeons to accurately locate the tumour and protect the healthy tissue during the surgery. This also means reduced surgery duration, lesser irreversible clinical outcomes, shorter stay at hospitals and easy integration back into normal life.
Increasing Precision and Safety: Mapping, Navigating and Intra-operative Monitoring
Earlier, surgeries were associated with surgical outcomes but with introduction of modalities like Intra-operative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM), preservation of neurological function has significantly improved. It is common for neurosurgeons to have a detailed observation of the person’s brain before planning a surgery. The cutting-edge technological advancements in neurosciences are enabling surgeons to map the affected areas in the brain and plan targeted surgeries more efficiently.
One reason behind sophisticated craniotomies (brain tumour surgery) is the use of Intra-operative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) which involves procedures during surgery that monitor neural pathways during high-risk neurosurgeries. These procedures help the surgeons monitor brain structures, prevent impending damage during surgery and maintain the functionality of the brain.
Mapping and navigation tools assist surgeons in ensuring the utmost safety during the process.
Neuro-navigation, a computer-assisted technology which works much like GPS, enables neurosurgeons to visualise important brain structures during the surgery. It can help them plan the surgery, sparing healthy parts. Functional MRI is another such advancement that helps surgeons map out areas of the brain based on their blood flow and activity. It not only provides a still image of the brain structures but also gives detailed insights into the vital functional areas.
Awake Craniotomy: When a patient becomes an active participant in surgery
An Awake Craniotomy is one such evolutionary surgery where the patient is awake during the procedure. This is usually recommended when the tumour is near areas that control speech, language, or movement with an ultimate aim to ensure utmost safety of the patient and prevent permanent damage to vital motor activities. Interestingly, the patient becomes an important participant in the most critical part of the surgery and assists the surgical team by responding to neurological tests.
Why choose us for Neurological Concerns?
The department of neurosciences at SHALBY Sanar International Hospital is known for its advanced surgical/non-surgical neurological interventions for varied brain and spine-related conditions. It is a highly specialised unit run by an experienced team of neurologists, neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, all committed to offering exceptional care to patients. Backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure, and leading-edge innovations, our operation theatres and intensive care unit are fully equipped to handle varied neurological complexities.
We have an advanced neurology unit, catering to the needs of patients with a wide range of diseases and ailments affecting the organs and structures of the nervous system. Our experts offer comprehensive treatment plans, carefully curated to address specific needs and requirements of the patients. Our area of expertise includes, treating conditions like parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, alzheimer’s disease, varied kinds of headaches, cerebral palsy, brain haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, brain aneurysm and other neurological ailments.
Our neurosurgery unit offers high-end facilities and services to ensure effective surgical management of patients with the most complex and rare neurological conditions. Among advanced surgeries, our team of experts routinely perform neurovascular surgery, neuro endoscopy, awake craniotomy, deep brain stimulation and other highly advanced procedures.
We have a dedicated spine unit, offering comprehensive evaluation and care to patients affected by spinal diseases and deformities. Our areas of expertise include, treating spinal infections, spinal cord injuries, spine tumours, spinal stenosis, lumbar decompression and other spine complexities. From minimally invasive spine surgeries to complex intensive spine procedures, our team of experts is skilled and well-equipped to handle all your spinal health needs.
For any neurological concerns affecting you or your loved ones, reach out to our team of experts.
We won’t let your head down!
The author is the Director & HOD at the Department of Neurosurgery at Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram
