Advances in surgery

There have been rapid advances in surgery for brain tumours, including the use of cortical mapping, a technique that allows doctors to identify certain areas of the brain that control the senses, language, and motor skills. In addition, enhanced imaging devices give surgeons more tools to plan and perform surgery.

For example, computer based techniques, such as Image Guided Surgery (IGS), help surgeons map out the location of the tumour very accurately. However, this is a specialised technique that may not be widely available. Also, minimally invasive keyhole surgery is now possible for most brain and skull base tumours.

Treatment options depend on size, type and severity of the tumor. It has to be checked whether the tumour has spread to other parts of the CNS or body. Treatment also depends on patient’s preferences and overall health. (The writer is Consultant Neurosurgeon, Chief of Department of Neurosurgery at Citizens Specialty Hospital, Nallagandla.)

By Dr Ajay Reddy A