Removal of a giant tumor of the brain and spinal cord

Friday,  13  Сентябрь  2024

For a long time, a patient from Ayagoz was bothered by weakness in his arms and legs. Over the years, the weakness began to increase, pain in the cervical spine, headaches and a feeling of numbness in the arms and legs began to bother him. The patient systematically received a course of conservative treatment, but no improvement was observed, and instead began to worsen. So, in order to diagnose the disease, the patient underwent an MRI scan in June 2024. In which doctors discovered a giant tumor (6 * 3.5 cm) localized inside the brain with growth into the trunk, the fourth ventricle, and spread below to the second cervical vertebra.

The patient, having collected the necessary information and documentation, sought medical help at the National Center for Neurosurgery, where he was recommended to undergo surgical treatment in the Center. By the way, an operation of such complexity was possible only at the National Center for Neurosurgery.

At the time of hospitalization, the patient was almost completely immobilized, there were difficulties in swallowing and episodes of holding his breath. Doctors of the spinal neurosurgery department, pathology of the peripheral nervous system performed a complex 6-hour operation to remove the tumor.

As noted by the head of the spinal neurosurgery department, Professor Talgat Kerimbayev, tumors located at the junction of the brain and spinal cord (craniovertebral tumors) are extremely difficult to remove and life-threatening, since here are the centers that control breathing, heart function, blood vessels, as well as movements and sensitivity in the arms and legs.

"The complexity of the operation was in the location of such important anatomical structures as the brain stem (the center of vital activity), the intersection of the pyramidal tracts (movement in the limbs), and the main vessels. And the slightest excessive manipulation in this area could lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, surgery in this area is one of the most complex in neurosurgery and requires extensive practical experience of specialists, the presence of high-tech equipment and is not carried out in all leading foreign clinics. Despite the improvement of surgical treatment methods for this pathology, there remains a high risk of postoperative mortality and complete paralysis of patients. Often, patients are on a pulmonary ventilation apparatus (ALV) for a long time due to respiratory problems and cardiovascular disorders.

In the postoperative period, the patient's condition improved significantly. Movement and sensitivity in the arms and legs were restored, the patient began to swallow independently, breathing problems disappeared. The patient was activated on the 3rd day, began to walk independently. On the 9th day after the operation, the patient is prepared for discharge for outpatient follow-up," noted Talgat Kerimbayev.

The surgical team led by Professor Talgat Tynyshbaevich Kerimbayev removed the tumor completely with the capsule, preserving all anatomical structures, including the pyramidal intersection, trunk structures and main vessels of the brain and spinal cord.

A successful operation to remove a tumor was performed on a patient under the compulsory medical insurance quota using modern microsurgical technologies, an intraoperative microscope and neuromonitoring, which allows for continuous assessment of the state of vital nerve pathways and centers and minimizes the risk of damage.

“Before the operation, my arms were so weak that I could not even hold a liter bottle in my hands. When I was admitted to this center, I could not move independently. Before the operation, the doctors explained the possible serious surgical risks, but I was ready for anything, the main thing was to remove this tumor. Now, after the operation, I can confidently say that the doctors saved my life, brought me back to normal life. Before the operation, I had no appetite, since I could not even swallow, and therefore eat normal food. Now I enjoy eating different dishes, I have a good appetite and am on the mend. I believe that everything will be fine! I express my immense gratitude to the doctors of the spinal neurosurgery department, you are real professionals!” - shared Alibek.