A pioneering UK surgery has given new hope to patients with inoperable brain tumours, as a team of surgeons successfully removes a tumor through the eye socket using keyhole surgery.
Groundbreaking Surgery Gives Hope to Patients with Inoperable Brain Tumours
A team of surgeons from Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust has performed the UK‘s first operation to remove a brain tumour through the eye socket using keyhole surgery. The pioneering procedure, known as endoscopic trans-orbital approach, took just three hours and has given new hope to patients whose cancers were previously considered inoperable.
A New Era in Brain Surgery
The surgery was performed on Ruvimbo Kaviya, a 40-year-old nurse from Leeds who was diagnosed with two meningiomas. The tumours were located in the cavernous sinus, a space beneath the brain and behind the eyes, which made them difficult to access. In the past, surgeons would have had to remove a large part of the skull and move the brain, leading to complications such as seizures.
A Patient’s Courageous Decision
Kaviya underwent the surgery in February 2024 after consulting with experts in Spain who deemed her a suitable candidate for the procedure. Her family was initially sceptical, but she convinced them that it was her only option. The operation was a success, and Kaviya was back to work as a stroke rehabilitation nurse within days.
A Unique Technique
The surgeons developed a new technique, which involved cutting a small part of the outside wall of the eye socket to allow more access. This innovation made the procedure easier and more efficient. Asim Sheikh, the neurosurgeon who led the operation, explained that this method allows direct access to the tumour without compromising pressure on the brain.
A New Standard for Brain Surgery
The success of this surgery marks a new era in brain surgery. The endoscopic trans-orbital approach has given hope to patients with previously inoperable brain tumours. The surgeons at Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust have set a high standard, and their expertise will be invaluable in the treatment of similar cases in the future.
No Side Effects
Kaviya reported no significant side effects after the surgery, apart from a “really tiny” scar and double vision for about three months. Her experience is a testament to the success of this new procedure, and it has paved the way for further research into the treatment of brain tumours.
A Brighter Future
The pioneering work done by the surgeons at Leeds teaching hospitals NHS trust has opened up new possibilities for patients with brain tumours. As more cases are treated using this innovative approach, we can expect to see improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by these devastating diseases.
