Chennai, September 10th, 2025: Hybrid neurosurgery performed at MGM Malar Hospital successfully removed a large brain tumour from a woman, preventing her paralysis from worsening and averting potential life-threatening complications.
The nine-hour marathon hybrid procedure combined two approaches: a minimally invasive endovascular procedure to cut off the tumour’s blood supply, and an open microsurgical procedure, performed with a high-powered operating microscope, to remove the tumour. The woman had been suffering from severe headaches for six months, and in the last two months developed weakness in her right arm and leg. She sought treatment at MGM Malar Hospital after her condition worsened.
The medical team carried out a six-vessel brain angiogram— a 360-degree vascular map of the brain — to pinpoint the tumour’s blood supply and plan the operation. With meticulous preparation and execution, the procedures were completed successfully, thanks to the expertise of the hybrid neurosurgery team led by Dr. A. Aravinth Kumar, Consultant, Neurosurgery & Endovascular Neuro-Interventions. The medical team also comprised professionals from neuro anaesthesia, interventional anaesthesia, Intensive Care and neuro rehab departments. The patient has now made a full recovery.
In his comments, Dr. Aravinth said, “We are happy to have saved the life of the patient with this timely and challenging intervention. What helped us was our deep understanding of brain anatomy both endovascular and microsurgical techniques, and the measures needed to reduce neurovascular risks — all of which were crucial to the success. Any delay could have led to irreversible paralysis, and the growing tumour posed a constant life-threatening danger. Brain tumours in adults are rare – they occur only in about 1% of the population. The cause is generally unknown and is mostly genetic. The public should never ignore persistent headaches or progressive weakness in any part of the body. They must seek medical advice immediately.”
Explaining the procedures, he said the endovascular step was necessary to reduce the tumour’s blood supply, making its removal safer and minimising the heavy blood loss that is common in neurosurgeries. This was followed by a highly complex microsurgical procedure to remove the tumour. Performing both procedures back-to-back in a single sitting, without damaging the brain’s delicate structures, was a major challenge for the team.
