Manipal Hospital, Bangalore has successfully removed a brain tumour by keeping the patient alert and conscious throughout the surgery. The procedure was performed by keeping the patient completely under sedation and local anaesthesia. The ‘Awake Brain Surgery’ is medically known as ‘Awake Craniotomy’ where the skull is opened to carry out the brain surgery on an awake patient.

The patient, a 34-year old man was suffering from severe headache, deviation of face to left, tingling, numbness in the left hand and symptoms of suggestive of seizures. Preliminary investigations revealed that the patient had developed a problem over the right side of the brain in the area controlling the functions of the face and left hand.

Dr Satish Rudrappa, Neuro Surgeon, Manipal Hospital has performed the “Awake Craniotomy” on the patient without general anaesthesia (not even with intubation) to remove the brain tumour. The procedure allows intra operative assessment of the neurological status of the patient.

“We had to monitor the patient’s motor activities during the surgery to prevent post operative deficits. The advantage of “Awake Craniotomy” is that on instruction from the surgeon the patient would be able to lift his hands and make facial movements which correspond to the area of surgery, and was able to talk during surgery. The patient was co-operative during the surgery and was completely conscious post operation. He was mobilized on the same day of the surgery and he was ready for the discharge on the next day itself and was found to have no post operative deficits,” he added.

“Patients considering this surgery should be taken through proper counselling and guidance although Awake Brain Surgery has proven to be effective in our case. This achievement would help us evolve and develop new approaches and treatment modalities for Brain related surgeries” said, Dr S.C. Nagendra Swamy, president, Manipal Health Enterprises.

According to Dr Sudarshan Ballal, medical director, Manipal Health Enterprises, the rapidly evolving advances in the health care systems along with the advent of minimally invasive procedures like awake craniotomies, offer minimal discomfort or morbidity, shorter hospital stay, early return to work and other routine activities along with its cost effectiveness for patients and their families.