Title: Groundbreaking Procedure: Removing a Brain Tumor Through a Woman's Eye
In a groundbreaking surgical achievement, UK doctors have successfully removed a patient's brain tumor via their eyebrow, marking the first time such a procedure has been performed in the UK. Ruvimbo Kaviya, a 40-year-old patient, underwent the surgery at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in 2024, as her tumors were located at the base of her skull, near the cavernous sinus.
Typically, doctors would employ an open craniotomy to access and remove these tumors, requiring the removal of skull fragments and adjusting the brain's position. However, recent advancements in surgery have led to the development of a less invasive technique called the endoscopic trans-orbital approach. This cutting-edge method allows doctors to navigate a flexible tube and camera around the eye socket to access and remove tumors, with minimal impact on the brain and surrounding tissues.
Before performing the surgery, the medical team meticulously practiced their technique on 3D replica models created from Kaviya's skull scans. During the operation, the surgeons made a small incision along her left eyelid and removed the tumor using the endoscope. The entire procedure lasted merely two days, with Kaviya reporting no side effects or swelling.
"I was amazed by my recovery," said Kaviya in a hospital statement. "I am deeply grateful to Mr. Sheikh, Mr. Parmar, and the entire team, who reassured me throughout the process."
The effectiveness of the endoscopic trans-orbital approach is evident in Kaviya's rapid recovery and minimal scarring. Reduced trauma, faster healing, and minimal visible scarring have made this method a promising alternative to traditional open craniotomies. With improved access and precision, this technique has the potential to transform the surgical treatment of skull base tumors for many patients.
According to Dr. Asim Sheikh, the consultant skullbase and neurovascular neurosurgeon who conducted the surgery, "This technique allows us to remove tumors without opening the skull or retracting or compressing the brain. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure significantly reduces trauma, enabling patients to recover faster with minimal visible scarring."
The success of this procedure in Kaviya's case highlights the potential of lesser-invasive techniques in neurosurgery. As the use of the endoscopic trans-orbital approach continues to grow, many more patients are likely to benefit from its advantages in terms of safety, recovery time, and overall impact on their lives.
In the future, advancements in technology and science may lead to even less invasive methods in neurosurgery, further improving patient outcomes. The use of this groundbreaking technique in health care could significantly reduce the need for traditional open craniotomies.
