Endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery which uses an endoscope (a telescope like instrument usually fitted with a camera) to remove tumors affecting the brain and its neighbouring structures. The term endonasal is used as the endoscope is inserted via the nasal passage to reach the tumor or the lesion. Endoscopic endonasal procedure is a highly advanced and innovative surgical technique which is used to remove tumors which are inaccessible or located in those areas of the brain where conventional surgical approaches cannot be used. The principle behind an endoscopic endonasal surgery is the use of nasal passage and the sinuses to approach the lesions of the brain, top of the spinal cord and pituitary tumors.
Who is a suitable candidate for an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
You may be a suitable candidate for an Endoscopic endonasal surgical procedure if you are diagnosed with tumors of pituitary gland, brain tumors and tumors associated with top or beginning of the spinal cord. These tumors might be associated with various symptoms and the common ones are enlisted as under.
- Persistent and frequent headaches
- Nausea and vomiting sensation
- Hearing loss
- Loss of vision
- Seizures or jerks in muscles
- Tingling and numbness of hands and feet
- Problem in orientation while walking, talking or difficulty in doing routine activities
Who performs an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
Endoscopic endonasal surgery is performed by a group of highly train and skilled group of neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and ENT (Ear nose and throat) specialists.
What happens before endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
If you are diagnosed with tumors affecting the brain and nearby structures like the pituitary gland and the spinal cord you might be a potential candidate for a brain tumor surgical procedure. The team of doctors including neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and an ENT (Ear nose and throat) specialist would conduct a complete evaluation of your condition and would also advice for a CT scan and an MRI scan to locate the tumor. If the tumor is inaccessible or inoperable areas of the brain or pituitary an endoscopic endonasal surgery might be advised. It is essential to inform the operating team about any previous history of surgical procedures, medications that you are taking to prevent any post operative complications.
Does endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery require administration of anaesthesia ?
Yes, the endoscopic endonasal surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Does age a limiting factor in choosing endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
No. The team of specialists decide whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure or not depending on your symptoms and your overall health.
How is an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery performed?
The patient is made to lie on his/her back on the operating table. General anaesthesia is administered by the anaesthesiologist and vitals are monitored. With the advent of anaesthesia the nasal cavity is cleaned with antiseptic solution. The endoscopic image guidance system is used which helps in 3D mapping of the brain and determining the exact location of the tumor on the basis of CT and MRI scans.
Endoscopic endonasal procedure is a minimally invasive procedure where the operating surgeon inserts an endoscope, a specialised instrument which resembles a tube like structure which has attachments for light and camera. The camera is attached to a monitor which is used to locate the site of surgery during the procedure. The light attachment on the other hand helps in guiding the endoscope during its entry to the surgical site.
The endoscope is entered into the surgical site with the help of camera by the operating surgeon bypassing the air sinuses to reach the lining of the brain, the dura thereby exposing the tumor. The tumor is then approached with surgical curettes and removed in small pieces through a suction tube. During the procedure most of the tumor is removed, in cases where the tumor is in close proximity with the major vessels if some part of the tumor remains it can be cured with radiation therapy post surgery. The site from where the tumor is removed might be grafted with a graft obtained from the abdomen to fill the gap and the surgical site is then closed with sutures. The length of the surgical procedure depends on the patients overall condition, the site and the size of the tumor.
What is the post-operative care after an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
After the surgical procedure is completed the patient is shifted to a recovery unit where the vitals are monitored as the patient completely recovers from the anaesthetic effect. Once the patient’s condition is stable, he/she is shifted to in patient ward. The operating surgeon might give instructions to the patient and the nurse to start activities like walking, sitting, lying down to resume daily activities. The patient is asked not to strain the surgical site and not engage in any vigorous activities like running or playing sports until advised by the operating surgeon. It is important to follow post- operative instructions as they have a direct impact on the overall success of the surgical procedure.
What are the risks associated with an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
The risks associated with Endoscopic endonasal surgery are almost similar to any other surgery which is used to treat brain tumor. General risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots at the surgical site. Specific side effects of a brain tumor surgery may vary and can lead to seizures, headaches, loss of vision, hearing loss and uncoordination in balance, inflammation of the layers covering the brain, swelling and stroke. The rare complications include coma and death.
What are the benefits of the endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
Endoscopic endonasal procedure is a minimally invasive procedure which is used to treat inaccessible and inoperable tumors in the brain and neighbouring structures. Since the procedure is minimally invasive the length of stay in the hospital post surgery is greatly reduced. The procedure does not require an extensive surgery like the conventional brain tumor surgery procedure and the surgical complications are also fewer.
What is the outcome of an endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
Endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery is an innovative surgical technique which utilizes specialised instruments for the removal of brain, spinal cord and pituitary tumors. The success rates of endonasal endoscopic surgery are well documented in medical literature. The direct outcome of an endonasal endoscopic procedure has an impact in improving the quality of life, preventing major side effects of a conventional procedure and facial disfigurement. The procedure also causes lesser damage to the adjacent vital structures during the tumor removal and the hospital stay is greatly reduced. The decision of getting an Endoscopic endonasal surgery depends on the combined approach of the operating team of doctors and the patient after appropriate analysis of the patient’s symptoms, risks and benefits of the procedure over a conventional brain tumor surgery.
How to find neurosurgeons for endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery ?
Now you can find neurosurgeons for endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple neurosurgeons, cost estimates for endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a neurosurgeon for endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery.
Find and choose a neurosurgeon for endoscopic endonasal brain tumour surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
