Cutting Edge Brain Tumor Surgery in India-Advanced treatment for Best Outcomes

Cutting Edge Brain Tumor Surgery in India-Advanced treatment for Best Outcomes

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. A brain tumor can develop anywhere in the brain, such as the protective lining, skull base, brainstem, nasal cavity, and more. It’s estimated that there are 120 different types of brain tumors. Throughout this article, we’ll explore brain tumor types, symptoms, causes, and how it is treated in India.

A look at the different types of brain tumors

There are two types of brain tumors:

Benign: These brain tumors don’t grow fast and have well-defined borders. There’s no invasion or spread to other parts of the body as they are non cancerous.

Malignant: These brain tumors grow fast and are cancerous. Aside from invading nearby areas, they spread to different body parts. They’re the most aggressive form of brain tumor and can be deadly.

Here are the types of brain tumors based on where they come from

Gliomas: This type of tumor starts in the nerve cells in the brain. The tumors can be benign, but they’re primarily malignant. The most common malignant brain tumor is glioblastoma.

Choroid Plexus Tumors: These tumors start in the cells that make the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They can be benign or malignant, most of which are in kids.

Embryonic Tumors: These start from cells in the brain after birth. They’re malignant brain tumors that primarily affect babies.

Germ cell tumors start from reproductive cells that become eggs and sperm. Most of the time, germ cells are found in the ovaries and testes, but sometimes in the brain too. Children tend to get them more often, and they’re usually benign.

Pineal Tumors: Pineal Tumors start around and inside the pineal gland. It’s common for children and adults to get these tumors, which can be benign or malignant.

Nerve tumors: These are tumors in or around nerves. This happens on the main nerve that connects the inner ear with the brain.

Pituitary Tumors: These start in or around the pituitary gland and are usually benign. In some cases, the tumor happens in the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain.

Subtle Symptoms of Brain Tumors: Silent Signals to Help Us Recognize Them

Some common symptoms of brain tumors are:

● A brain tumor is characterized by persistent headaches, especially in the morning, vomiting, and nausea.

● The most common symptom of brain tumors is seizures, especially in people without a history of seizures.

● People with brain tumors can suffer from memory problems and other mental problems like thinking, reasoning, and solving problems.

● A brain tumor near the optic nerve can seriously damage hearing and cause double vision or partial or complete blindness.

● A brain tumor can affect your balance and coordination because it affects your cerebellum.

● A brain tumor increases intracranial pressure, leading to nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning.

● The nervous system can be severely harmed by tumors, causing numbness and weakness in the legs and other parts.

● Brain tumors can also damage the parts of the brain that control speech and language. Hence, someone with a brain tumor might slur their speech, have trouble finding words, etc.

How is a brain tumor diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a brain tumor begins with a detailed neurological exam. The physical tests include:

• C.T. Scan of Head
• MRI Brain
• Angiography of the brain arteries
• Skull X-Ray
• Biopsy of the brain tissue

Latest Treatment Options for Brain Tumors available in India

Neurosurgery, Radiotherapy, or chemotherapy are the most widely used treatment modalities. However, with the advancement in medical technology, new treatments have been devised in India to cure people suffering from brain tumors. Some of these treatments are:

Neuroendoscopy surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat brain tumors using an endoscope. It allows surgeons to visualize and perform the surgical area using small incisions through natural body openings like the nose and mouth.

Gamma Knife Surgery: Gamma knife surgery is also known as stereotactic surgery. It is a noninvasive surgical technique that uses a particular device known as Gamma Knife. It is a helmet-like structure containing Cobalt -60 radiation sources. The radiation damages the DNA of the targeted cells so that the tumor does not grow further.

Cyberknife: It’s a noninvasive robotic radiosurgery system for treating tumors. It delivers high-dose radiation with real-time adjustments for patient movement. It’s painless, outpatient, and has minimal side effects.

Proton Therapy: Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to treat cancer. The radiation is highly targeted, so there’s less damage to healthy tissue around it. This treatment is perfect for treating tumors near critical structures and in kids since it’s more precise and has fewer side effects.

Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy, or precision medicine, uses drugs to target genetic mutations or molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells.

Craniotomy: It is a surgical procedure that involves opening the skull to gain access to the brain tumor.

Craniotomy- A detailed look into the most popular brain surgery in India

A craniotomy is a brain surgery where the neurosurgeon opens a piece of the skull to reach the brain. The same piece of skull is reapplied after the surgery.

Exploring Different Types of Craniotomy

There are several types of craniotomy procedures. The type depends on the fact of where the surgeon accesses your skull. The significant types of craniotomy surgeries include:

Stereotactic craniotomy

Stereotactic craniotomies use MRI or C.T. scans. During this procedure, your surgeon takes pictures of your brain in three dimensions. It helps them distinguish between healthy and abnormal tissue. In addition, stereotactic techniques help your surgeon find the best spot to cut your scalp. This makes it easier to make minor cuts and do minimally invasive surgery.

Endoscopic craniotomy

During an endoscopic craniotomy, your surgeon makes a tiny hole in your skull. Then they insert an endoscope, which is a small camera with lights. It’s commonly used with keyhole craniotomies.

Awake craniotomy

The awake craniotomy is done while you’re awake. During surgery, your surgeon monitors your brain activity while asking you questions. They’ll tell you which parts of the brain control speech, movement, and vision as you respond. While performing the surgery, they’ll avoid these areas.

Keyhole craniotomy

Keyhole craniotomies remove brain tumors. This is a minimally invasive surgery with less scarring and a faster recovery. First, you’ll get a small cut behind your ear. Then, through this incision, the brain tumor is removed.

Supra-orbital ‘eyebrow’ craniotomy

To remove brain tumors from your forehead, you have a supra-orbital craniotomy. A small cut is made on your eyebrow. The procedure is minimally invasive and leaves minimal scars.

Pteronial (frontotemporal) craniotomy

The frontal, temporal, sphenoid, and parietal bones meet in a pterion. You’ll find it on the side of your skull near your temple. During a personal craniotomy, part of the pterion is removed. Next, your surgeon makes an incision behind your hairline so they can access multiple parts of your brain.

Orbitozygomatic craniotomy

Orbitozygomatic craniotomies are suitable for challenging tumors and aneurysms. First, there’s a small incision behind your hairline. In this procedure, your surgeon removes part of the bone that curves around your eye socket and cheek. It lets your surgeon reach deeper regions of your brain while reducing damage.

Craniotomy of the posterior fossa

The lower part of the skull is the posterior fossa. This part of the brain is near the brainstem and cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. Tumors in the posterior fossa can put pressure on the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. A craniotomy in the posterior fossa can get rid of the tumor. This is done through an incision at the base of your skull.

Craniotomy Procedure: Understanding the complete procedure step by step

Before the Surgery:

• Various tests are performed before the surgery, like a physical exam, blood tests, neurological exam, and a C.T. scan or an MRI.
• Your surgeon will also determine the surgical site and the type of craniotomy he will perform on you. The surgeon will also discuss potential risks and a detailed treatment plan with expected outcomes.
• Some pre-operative tests are performed before the surgery, like ECG and pulmonary function tests, to determine the patient’s overall health.
• You will also be instructed to fast a day before the surgery.
• A consultation with an anesthesiologist will help to determine the most appropriate anesthesia technique required for the surgery.

During the surgery

The following steps are performed to treat brain tumors:

Anesthesia: The surgery starts with giving anesthesia to the patient to ensure they remain pain-free throughout the surgery.

Incision: Various types of incisions are made depending on the affected area of the brain. It can be made behind the hairline, in front of the ear, or in any other location. If an endoscope is used, the incision made will be small. After the incision, a blonde flap is removed carefully.

Surgery: After removing the flap, the surgeon will assess the brain. The surgeon will then remove the tumor using specialized instruments.

Intraoperative Monitoring and Navigation: The surgeon can use intraoperative monitoring techniques to check brain function and ensure critical parts are safe during the procedure. It can involve monitoring electrical activity, blood flow, or nerve activity. In some cases, image-guided navigation can help locate the surgical target precisely.

Closure and recovery: After the surgery, the surgeon replaces the bone flap with plates, screws, or wires to hold it in place. Usually, sutures or staples are used to close the scalp incision. Following surgery, they will be transferred to the recovery room, where they are closely monitored.

After the Surgery

• Immediately after the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room and kept under observation.
• The recovery period depends on the type of surgery done and the type of anesthesia given.
• You may need oxygen for some amount of time after the surgery. However, it is discontinued when you will go home after the surgery.
• You will also be taught specific deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia.
• Frequent neurological checks are done after the surgery to ensure that the brain is working correctly.

Precautions after the Surgery

• Following the instructions provided by your healthcare team after the surgery is essential.
• Take proper care of the incision to prevent any infection. Keep the incision clean to avoid any infection and swelling.
• Maintain an elevated head position to reduce swelling in the surgical area.
• They have limited physical activities, as advised by the surgeon. Avoid heavy exercises to avoid any strain at the surgical site.
• Take medicines at a time to manage pain and infection. Do not stop or alter medications at your own will.
• Take sufficient rest as it fastracks the recovery process. Listen to your body and avoid pushing it too hard.

Advantages of Craniotomy: Enhancing Neurological Health and Well Being

• A craniotomy allows neurosurgeons to get directly to tumors and remove them. In this procedure, the tumor can be located precisely and resected maximally for improved outcomes.

• Brain biopsies allow neurosurgeons to make accurate diagnoses. This allows for more targeted and personalized treatment choices.
• In a craniotomy, specialized monitoring techniques can assess brain function such as electrical activity and blood flow. Real-time monitoring minimizes complications and ensures safety during surgery.
• The use of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRIs and CT scans, can be integrated with surgical navigation. By using this technology, surgeons can find their surgical targets accurately, enhance precision, and minimize damage to nearby healthy brain tissue.
• Each craniotomy procedure is tailored to a patient’s specific condition. Based on location, size, and nature of the pathology, surgeons can optimize patient outcomes.
• Craniotomy continues to improve through advances in surgical techniques, imaging technologies, and intraoperative monitoring tools. With these advances, surgery is more precise, minimally invasive, and safe

Top Hospitals Providing Craniotomy Surgery In India

Package Inclusions and Exclusions

Stay in hospital: 04 Days

Stay in India: 15 Days

Percentage of success: 99.9%

How can you avail the Best craniotomy surgery in India-Step, By Step process?

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