83-year-man with golf ball-sized brain tumour successfully treated via Neuro-Navigation Surgery at Fortis Mohali

Mandi, June 19, 2023: An 83-year-old man was facing an extremely challenging time owing to urinary incontinence, numbness in the lower limbs, was unable to walk for the past 15 days and had speech and vision impairment. The Patient approached Dr Harsimrat Bir Singh Sodhi, Senior Consultant, Neuro-Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali in March this year.

On evaluation, a brain MRI revealed a golf ball-sized tumour(7x5x3 cm)in front of the brain (frontal lobe), which was compressing the nerves and had caused edema (inflammation and swelling), although the Patient was in a conscious state. The tumour was located in the area which controlled the urinary system and the nerves supplying the left arm and the leg. A delay in surgery would have led to permanent paralysis of the body’s left side, permanent urinary incontinence and vision loss.

The team of doctors led by Dr Sodhi operated on the Patient and removed the tumour through a micro-surgery assisted with Neuro-Navigation, which lasted for three hours. Neuro-navigation is a computer-assisted, invasive surgery that allows a surgeon to ‘navigate’ within the brain with precision. Extreme caution was taken not to damage the underlying brain tissue.

The Patient remained on the ventilator for five days, but gradually improved in sensorium. Following good rehabilitation at Fortis Mohali, he regained consciousness on the 6th day of the surgery and was walking about on Day 8. He was discharged 10 days after the procedure and has resumed his normal activities now. 

Discussing the case, Dr Sodhi, said, “The biggest challenge for us was the patient’s age as he was 83-year-old. Elderly patients take a long time to recover from major brain surgeries. The other risk factor was damage to the nerves controlling the left arm and leg; and restoration of urine flow. Sometimes, a blood clot forms at the operative site and leads to prolonged ICU stay for a patient. The surgery was conducted through Neuro-Navigation and a high-end microscope, both available at Fortis Hospital Mohali. Excellent surgery outcomes are also ensured through the Neuro-Anaesthesia team and a fully-equipped Neurosurgery ICU. The Neuro-Anesthesia team is trained to take all necessary precautions during and after the surgery, especially problems related to the risk of excessive bleeding. All these factors led to a successful surgery.”