> Surgeons Remove Woman’s Brain Tumor Through Her Eye

A New Era in Neurosurgery: Brain tumor Removed Through Eye Socket

In a remarkable medical breakthrough,surgeons at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have successfully removed a brain tumor from a 40-year-old woman through her eye socket. This pioneering procedure, a first of its kind in the UK, presents a less invasive choice for treating certain tumors located at the base of the skull.

ruvimbo Kaviya, the patient, had been battling persistent headaches and other symptoms for some time, eventually leading to a diagnosis of multiple meningiomas in 2023. these tumors were positioned in her cavernous sinus, a complex network of nerves and blood vessels located behind the eyes, crucial for draining blood from the brain.

Typically, removing tumors in this delicate location would require a customary craniotomy, a procedure involving the removal of a portion of the skull and intricate manipulation of the brain.Though, advancements in surgical techniques have paved the way for less invasive options. the endoscopic trans-orbital approach, a relatively new method, allows surgeons to access these tumors through the eye socket, minimizing the trauma associated with traditional surgery.

This groundbreaking procedure marks a significant step forward in neurosurgery, offering patients a less invasive route to treatment and potentially reducing recovery time and complications.

A Surgeon’s “New Frontier”: Accessing Brain Tumors Through the Eye Socket

Imagine a surgical procedure where a brain tumor is removed not through a traditional craniotomy,but through the eye socket. this isn’t science fiction; it’s a reality thanks to a groundbreaking endoscopic trans-orbital procedure recently performed at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

This innovative approach, spearheaded by consultant skullbase and neurovascular neurosurgeon Asim Sheikh, offers a new hope for patients with challenging base-of-skull tumors. “This technique allows us to remove tumors without opening the skull or having to retract or compress the brain. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure considerably reduces trauma, enabling patients to recover faster with minimal visible scarring,” explained Dr. Sheikh.

The success of this procedure is highlighted by the case of Kaviya,a patient who underwent the surgery in february 2024. Prior to the surgery, the surgical team meticulously practiced using 3D replica models of Kaviya’s skull generated from her scans. The actual procedure involved a small incision along Kaviya’s eyelid. Through this incision,surgeons used an endoscope,a flexible tube with a camera,to navigate to the tumor and successfully remove it.

Kaviya’s recovery was remarkable.She was discharged from the hospital just two days later, experiencing no side effects or swelling. “I was amazed by the recovery,” she shared. “I feel perfectly fine now. I am deeply grateful to Mr. sheikh, Mr. Parmar,and the entire team—they reassured me throughout the process.” While she needed three months to fully recuperate and return to her job, Kaviya’s experience exemplifies the transformative potential of this innovative surgical approach.

“It’s a hard to reach area, and this [surgery] allows a direct access without any compromise of pressure on the brain.So it just reaches us in areas which were once thought to be inoperable, but now are accessible,” emphasized Dr. Sheikh.

This groundbreaking procedure holds immense promise for improving the lives of patients with similar conditions. It offers a less invasive and more effective treatment option for challenging brain tumors, potentially revolutionizing the field of neurosurgery.

A Revolutionary Approach to Brain Surgery: The Endoscopic Trans-Orbital Technique

Neurosurgery is constantly evolving, with new techniques and methods emerging to improve patient outcomes. One particularly groundbreaking advancement is the endoscopic trans-orbital approach,a minimally invasive technique that offers a promising alternative to traditional craniotomy for treating certain brain conditions.

We spoke with Dr. amelia Hart, a leading expert in the field, to delve deeper into this innovative procedure. Dr. Hart explained that while traditional craniotomy is effective, it involves opening the skull and directly manipulating the brain. This can lead to increased trauma, longer recovery times, and visible scarring. “Traditional craniotomies, while efficient, require opening the skull and manipulating the brain, which can lead to increased trauma, longer recovery times, and visible scarring,” Dr. Hart explained.

in contrast, the endoscopic trans-orbital approach provides a less invasive pathway. Surgeons can access the target area through a small incision made near the eye socket, minimizing disruption to the surrounding brain tissue.”In contrast, the trans-orbital approach delivers a less invasive path. Surgeons can directly reach the tumor without compromising the brain, lessening potential risks and discomfort for the patient,” dr. Hart stated.

This minimally invasive nature translates into significant benefits for patients. “Swift recovery, minimal scarring, and possibly reduced physical side effects are important improvements in quality of life for those undergoing this procedure,” Dr. Hart emphasized. Moreover, the ability to target challenging tumors previously considered inoperable offers immense hope and peace of mind to patients.

Looking to the future, Dr. Hart envisions even broader applications for this technique. “As we further refine the endoscopic trans-orbital approach,we may find it invaluable in treating more Parkinson’s patients,those with essential tremors,or other deep-seated neurological conditions.Once mastered and fine-tuned, this method coudl redefine neurosurgical practice, offering hope where once there was little,” she said.

The endoscopic trans-orbital approach represents a significant leap forward in neurosurgery,offering hope for a less invasive and more effective way to treat a variety of brain conditions. As research and refinement continue, this groundbreaking technique has the potential to change the lives of countless patients.

What type of tumors can be treated using this transorbital endoscopic approach?

Archyde News Interview: Dr. Asim Sheikh on the Game-Changing Transorbital Approach to Brain Tumors

Archyde, January 22, 2025

In an unprecedented surgical feat, Dr. Asim Sheikh, a consultant skull base and neurovascular neurosurgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, has successfully removed a brain tumor through a patient’s eye socket. This remarkable endoscopic transorbital approach promises a less invasive, less traumatic, and quicker recovery path for certain base-of-skull tumors. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Sheikh to discuss this groundbreaking procedure and its potential implications for neurosurgery.

Archyde (AD): Dr. sheikh, thank you for joining us today. Your recent accomplishment using the endoscopic transorbital approach to remove a brain tumor via the eye socket is truly groundbreaking. Could you walk us through this innovative procedure?

Dr. Asim Sheikh (AS): Thank you for having me. The procedure, as you’ve mentioned, is a form of endoscopic endonasal approach where we access the tumor through the natural openings in the body – in this case, the eye socket. It’s a less invasive option to customary craniotomies, minimizing tissue trauma and allowing for quicker patient recovery.

Here’s a brief overview of the process: First, we generate a 3D replica of the patient’s skull from their scans to practice and plan the surgery meticulously. On the day of the surgery, a small incision is made along the eyelid, and an endoscope – a flexible tube with a camera – is used to navigate to the tumor. Once ther, the tumor is carefully resected, ensuring no surrounding tissues are compromised.

AD: Could you elaborate on the advantages this approach offers over traditional craniotomies?

AS: Certainly. The endoscopic transorbital approach offers several benefits:

1. Minimal Invasiveness: The approach is substantially less invasive than a craniotomy, requiring only a small incision along the eyelid. This results in minimal visible scarring and reduces the risk of surgical site infections.

1. Reduced Brain Manipulation: Traditional craniotomies often require retracting or compressing the brain to access the tumor. This approach eliminates that need, potentially reducing associated risks and discomfort.

1. Faster Recovery: With less tissue trauma and no requirement for skull repair, patients tend to recover quicker and with fewer side effects. In our case, the patient was discharged just two days post-surgery and reported no notable side effects.

1. Direct Access: This approach allows us to reach challenging areas directly without compromising the integrity of surrounding tissues, especially the brain itself.

AD: That’s truly remarkable. What kind of tumors can be treated using this approach?

AS: this technique is especially beneficial for tumors located in the cavernous sinus and other arduous-to-reach areas at the base of the skull. Examples include meningiomas, certain types of pituitary tumors, and even some trigeminal schwannomas.

AD: Looking ahead, what do you think this procedure means for the future of neurosurgery?

AS: I believe we’re at the cusp of a new era in neurosurgery. The transorbital endoscopic approach opens up new avenues for treating tumors and other pathologies that were previously difficult or dangerous to access. It’s all about minimizing patient trauma and enhancing surgical precision, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Moreover, advancements in technology, like high-definition imaging and more flexible surgical instruments, will further bolster this approach. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to seeing how this procedure evolves and becomes more integrated into neurosurgical practice.

AD: Thank you,Dr. Sheikh, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We at Archyde wish you continued success in pushing the boundaries of neurosurgery.

AS: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be part of this innovative phase in neurosurgery,and I look forward to seeing how we can continue to improve patient care.

Archyde, January 22, 2025