In a first-of-its-kind event in medical history, exceedingly complicated brain surgery was performed on a 40-year-old woman battling for her life at the brain studio at the Balaji Superspeciality Hospital, Ghaziabad. The revolutionary surgery was performed by Dr. Abhinav Gupta, Director, Brain and Spine Institute, Balaji Superspeciality Hospital Rajender Nagar Ghaziabad.
Throwing more light on the operation, Dr. Abhinav Gupta said, “Brain studio is one of its kind, highly advanced operation theatre wherein both computed tomography (CT) scan and image-guided surgical navigation have been incorporated. This gives us the view of the brain and we can actually see in which part of the brain we are during the course of the surgery. Furthermore, a CT scan can be done at any point during the surgery to provide a clear picture of the residual tumour. The surgeon can then navigate to the affected area and continue the surgery.”
Initially, a stereotactic biopsy, also known as stereotactic core biopsy, was done to localize the target brain lesion. It was performed at the brain studio itself by Dr. Gupta. The patient Mrs. Neelam Garg*, 40 years of age revealed,” My family took me to the All India Medical Institute (AIIMS) to get the biopsy done but it could not take place. It was a very difficult phase for us as my condition was deteriorating. Then we got to know about the brain studio at Balaji Superspeciality Hospital and the advanced equipment available there for treatment of life-threatening brain conditions like mine. We approached them and I was immediately put into the expert hands of Dr. Gupta and his team.”
Since Mrs. Neelam had poor chest report, it was impossible to operate her under general anesthesia. Dr. Abhinav Gupta decided to treat her in the brain studio and do a stereotactic biopsy while she remained conscious. The stereotactic frame was applied to the head and intraoperative CT scan was performed in the operation theatre. The lesion was localized in three dimensions with the CT coordinates in the X Y Z axis. A small opening was made in the skull and biopsy was carried out, all while the patient was conscious. She was then cleaned and draped.
Dr. Abhinav Gupta further elaborates,” Such is the marvel of medical science that the patient was talking to us the whole time we were operating on her brain. She was fit to be sent back to her room immediately even after a major cranial surgery and was eating light food just an hour after the surgery.”
Mrs. Neelam was discharged the very next day of her surgery. The biopsy report is awaited that will guide further treatment.
With tears of relief, Mrs. Neelam says, “This treatment has given me a new lease of life and I can finally look forward to living my life in a healthy way, fulfilling my responsibilities both at work and home.”
*name changed to protect identity
