Advanced Care for
Brain & Spinal Tumours

Surgical treatment for neurological disorders caused by abnormal brain function rather than structural damage.

Tumour Types.

Tumours include gliomas, meningiomas, schwannomas, and ependymomas. These are abnormal growths that occur within or around the brain and spinal cord. Some are benign (non-cancerous), while others can be malignant Symptoms depend on location and may include headaches, seizures, weakness, sensory loss, or hormonal disturbances. (cancerous).

  • Gliomas affect the brain's supportive cells and are often infiltrative.
  • Meningiomas grow from the brain's protective layers.
  • Schwannomas and ependymomas are typically benign but can cause problems by pressing on nerves or spinal tissue.

The exact cause of these tumours is often unknown, though some may be linked to genetic syndromes or radiation exposure. Symptoms depend on tumor type and location:

  • Headaches (often worse in the morning)
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Hormonal imbalances (for pituitary tumors)
  • Problems with coordination or walking (in spinal tumors)

Skull Base Tumours

Base of the skull is a difficult to reach area and the tumors in this region were either considered inoperable or impossible to remove fully. The commonest tumor in this region are the ones arising from the Pituitary gland. Today keyhole approaches like the Endonasal endoscopic surgery make total removal of these tumors possible with no scar and no violation of normal brain structures.

Advanced Tumour Surgery.

Minimally invasive brainport and ventriculoscopic surgery

Minimally invasive brainport and ventriculoscopic surgeries are advanced techniques used to treat deep-seated brain tumours or tumours located within the ventricles, the fluid-filled spaces of the brain. Traditional open surgery for such tumours often requires passing through healthy brain tissue to reach the lesion. With brainport and ventriculoscopy, the surgeon accesses the tumour through a small, carefully planned corridor, gently separating rather than cutting brain tissue. This approach significantly reduces injury to normal brain, lowers the risk of complications, and promotes faster recovery. These techniques are especially valuable for tumours located deep within critical brain regions.

Awake craniotomy for speech and movement areas

Awake craniotomy is a specialised surgical technique used when tumours are located near critical brain areas responsible for speech, movement, or other essential functions. During this procedure, the patient is awake for specific parts of the surgery while being kept comfortable and pain-free. This allows the surgical team to continuously monitor brain function in real time by interacting with the patient. By identifying and preserving vital areas, the surgeon can safely remove as much tumour as possible while minimising the risk of speech or movement deficits. Awake craniotomy plays a crucial role in achieving optimal tumour removal without compromising quality of life.

Neuronavigation for real-time precision

Neuronavigation is a cutting-edge technology that provides the surgeon with a highly accurate, real-time roadmap of the brain during surgery. Using advanced imaging, software, and computing systems, it functions like a GPS for the brain, guiding the surgeon precisely to the tumour. This technology helps in planning the safest surgical pathway, ensuring maximum tumour removal while protecting surrounding healthy brain tissue. Neuronavigation is particularly important for complex tumours located near vital brain structures and significantly enhances surgical accuracy and safety.

Intraoperative Fluorescence-Guided Tumour Surgery

Intraoperative fluorescence is an advanced technique that helps the surgeon clearly distinguish tumour tissue from normal brain during surgery. A specialised drug is administered to the patient before or during the procedure, which selectively accumulates in tumour cells. When viewed through special filters in the operating microscope, the tumour tissue illuminates or glows, allowing the surgeon to identify even subtle tumour margins. This improves the extent of tumour removal while preserving normal brain tissue. In certain cases where surgery is not feasible or tumours recur, radiosurgery or targeted therapies may be used as complementary treatment options.