A 57-year-old woman, experiencing intense headaches and mobility issues, has made a substantial recovery after a sophisticated neurosurgical procedure at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar. Having previously consulted several hospitals in the vicinity, she was eventually identified with multiple meningiomas at the craniovertebral junction—a rare form affecting merely 1%–10% of cases, where two or more non-cancerous brain tumours emerge in distinct brain areas.
Under the adept leadership of Dr. Siraj Basade, a senior neurosurgeon at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, a meticulous and intricate surgery was carried out, achieving a full excision of the tumour. The procedure leveraged the latest intra-operative neuro-monitoring and ultrasound tools, crucial for the tumour’s secure and fruitful removal.
The patient initially sought help due to symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure, accompanied by arm weakness and leg stiffness, hindering her walking ability. An MRI outlined that the largest tumour exerted pressure on the cerebellopontine angle, impacting critical structures including the vertebral artery and spinal cord and blocking brain fluid pathways, causing her intense headaches.
To alleviate the pressure, the medical team first undertook a procedure known as a VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt to remove excess brain fluid, resulting in an immediate reduction in her headaches. After stabilization, she underwent a posterior fossa craniotomy, wherein the back of the skull was accessed for tumour removal. The operation was guided by specialized monitoring apparatus to ensure safety and success.
“This cutting-edge technology facilitated safe navigation around vital brain parts, allowing tumour removal without harm,” explained Dr. Siraj Basade. “Intra-operative neuro-monitoring and ultrasound were pivotal to safeguarding the patient during the delicate operation.”
After the surgery, the patient showed significant improvement. She regained confident walking abilities and muscle strength through physiotherapy and has achieved full recovery. This case exhibits an exceedingly rare condition, observed in only a minuscule fraction of brain tumour patients presenting with unique brainstem involvement.
Dr. Basade highlighted the crucial role of advanced surgical methods in this scenario, “This patient had an extremely rare and intricate tumour, and without intra-operative neuro-monitoring and ultrasound, considerable risks could have arisen. These technologies enabled us to precisely maneuver around essential structures like the vertebral artery and cervical cord, ensuring comprehensive tumour extraction.”
The patient’s family expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Sahyadri medical team for their outstanding care. “Having visited numerous hospitals in Pune, it was at Sahyadri that we found hope. We sincerely thank Dr. Basade and the Sahyadri team for restoring our lives,” the patient’s family shared.
This case exemplifies Sahyadri Hospital’s dedication to applying state-of-the-art technology to deliver superior care to patients, particularly in intricate neurosurgical scenarios.