Awake brain surgery conducted at IMS and SUM Hospital’s Sitalapalli Campus

A successful awake brain surgery was performed on a 71-year-old man at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital’s Sitalapalli campus here leveraging the significant advancements in neuro and spine surgery.

The surgery involved creating two small burr holes of 2-2.5 cm in diameter in the frontal region of the skull. These holes allowed the surgeons to access and evacuate the accumulated blood and fluids which caused pressure in the brain.

Unlike traditional surgeries which required administration of general anesthesia to the patient, this procedure was performed while the patient was awake and responsive.

Associate Prof. (Dr.) Suryapratap Singh Tomar,  of  IMS and SUM Hospital at Bhubaneswar, performed the surgery.

Prof. (Dr.) Tomar said the surgery showcased the incredible potential of awake brain surgery. “By keeping the patient awake, we can achieve greater precision and safety leading to improved outcomes and ensuring reduced recovery time. This technique is particularly beneficial for elderly patients and those with complex medical histories,” he said.

The advantages of such surgery included real-time monitoring of the patient’s neurological functions which reduced the risk of damage to critical brain areas, sidestep the need for general anesthesia and ensure faster recovery, Prof. (Dr.) Tomar said.

Mr. Deba Prasad Dash, Director of the hospital, said the success of the awake brain surgery underscored the growing importance of minimally invasive and patient centred approaches in modern neurosurgery.