Childhood brain tumors are fast becoming an important pediatric problem in several African countries including Nigeria. Even though advanced neuroimaging techniques have facilitated early diagnosing and treatment of brain tumors among children worldwide, lack of neurosurgery facilities in Nigeria have detrimentally influenced outcome of brain tumors in children. Focal motor signs and symptoms that come alongside elevated intracranial pressure are some of the salient features of brain tumors in children. However, children who are also having hydrocephalus are likely to experience early signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, apart from being very expensive, outcome of
pediatric brain tumor treatment in the country remains very poor.
What is Brain Tumor Surgery?
There are several types of brain tumor surgeries including craniotomy, biopsy, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and minimally invasive endoscopy. The choice of surgical intervention will however depend upon the location of brain tumor and the condition which is to be treated. Advancements in neurosurgery have enabled neurosurgeons operate upon many areas of the brain without any incision inside or near to the head.
Most Common Types of Brain Tumor Surgeries
There are many different types of brain surgeries and choosing the right one usually depends upon the problem which is to be treated. Some common types of brain tumor surgeries include the following.
● Craniotomy – Craniotomy is a neurosurgical approach which involves making an incision in scalp which is known as a bone flap in skull. Incision during craniotomy is made near to the area of the brain which is to be treated. Craniotomy neurosurgery is normally utilized for removing brain tumors, clipping aneurysms, draining blood or fluid from infections in brain and for removing abnormal brain tissue. The bone flap is typically secured in place after completion of craniotomy with help of plates, sutures or wires. Sometimes, in cases of infection, tumors or brain swelling the hole in skull is left open. This type of procedure is known as craniectomy.
● Biopsy – Biopsy is typically performed for removal of a small sample of brain tumor or tissue which is required to be examined under a microscope in a laboratory. Biopsy involves making a small keyhole incision in skull.
● Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery – Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery allows neurosurgeons to remove lesions or tumors through the nose and sinuses of patients. During endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, parts of the brain can be accessed without making any incisions. Endoscope is a device which is equipped with lights and camera and is used during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. This device allows neurosurgeons to see the operating site during the procedure. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is commonly utilized for removing pituitary tumors, tumors growing on the bottom portion of brain and tumors on base of skull.
● Minimally Invasive Neuroendoscopy – This procedure is similar to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery as far as the use of endoscope. However, minimally invasive neuroendoscopy makes use of small dime-sized incisions in skull in order to access parts of brain which require to be operated upon.
Undergo Best Brain Tumor Surgery in India at Reasonable Costs
Undergo Best Brain Tumor Surgery in India at Reasonable Costs Brain tumor surgery in India is a golden opportunity for overseas patients seeking good quality of neurosurgery in foreign countries. While neurosurgery is not so commonly available in many parts of the world, it is also highly expensive in places where it is accessible. Brain tumor surgery in India is comparable with the best available in developed Western countries like UK, Canada and the United States. Neurosurgeons in India are globally recognized as some of the best doctors and are adept at performing the most complex neurosurgeries. Moreover, cost of brain tumor surgery in India is just a fraction of what it takes to undergo similar procedures in other healthcare destinations. In fact, overseas patients undergoing brain tumor surgery in India will be able to save about 70 percent of their money while availing medical procedures at par with the best in the world.
