Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries

Brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries are among the most demanding procedures requiring precision and high expertise in the medical field. Professor Dr. Yousry Anwar El-Hamili, a distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery at Cairo University Medical School, is renowned for his extensive experience and exceptional surgical skills in this area. Dr. Yousry leads a highly skilled medical team at a prestigious medical center equipped with the latest medical technologies and modern equipment to provide the highest standards of care and medical services.

With decades of surgical experience, Dr. Yousry and his team offer specialized surgical services according to the latest medical standards using advanced techniques. Whether you need surgery to remove a brain or spinal cord tumor or any other neurosurgical procedures, Dr. Yousry and his team ensure personalized and effective care tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Below are some details about brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries and what Dr. Yousry and his team offer in this regard.

What are Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries?

Brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries are procedures typically used to treat tumors located in the brain or spinal cord. The type of surgery performed primarily depends on the tumor’s location and size. When planning the surgery, the neurosurgeon also considers other factors, such as the patient’s age, neurological function, and overall health.

Indications for Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries

Brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries can be performed for various reasons, such as:

• Removing the entire tumor or as much of it as possible.
• Taking a biopsy to determine the tumor type.
• Inserting a shunt to drain cerebrospinal fluid in cases of hydrocephalus to relieve pressure on the brain.
• Placing an Ommaya reservoir to remove cerebrospinal fluid or administer chemotherapy.
• Preventing or treating potential complications from the tumor.
• Reducing pain or alleviating symptoms.

These surgical procedures aim to improve the patient’s quality of life, relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, improve symptoms, examine the tumor to determine its type, and guide subsequent treatment based on laboratory results.

Brain Tumor Surgeries

Brain tumor surgeries are a crucial part of tumor treatment. Although the idea of brain surgery may seem daunting, it is a very safe procedure. Dr. Yousry Anwar El-Hamili and his highly specialized medical team are available to address any concerns you may have to reassure you.

Not all cases are suitable for brain surgery as it is a major procedure, and the patient must be in good condition. Additionally, some tumors grow in difficult-to-reach areas of the brain, such as the brainstem.

The surgery is performed by a specialized team of neurosurgeons led by Dr. Yousry Anwar El-Hamili, with possible collaboration from other specialists, such as ENT surgeons.

There are two main types of brain tumor surgeries:

• Craniotomy
• Neuroendoscopy

Craniotomy

Craniotomy is the most common surgical procedure for treating brain tumors and involves the following steps:

1. Preoperative Examinations: Conducting preoperative tests to accurately locate the tumor, with possible intraoperative imaging to help the surgeon pinpoint the tumor.
2. General Anesthesia: The patient is put under general anesthesia, remaining asleep and unaware during the operation.
3. Creating an Opening: The neurosurgeon removes a part of the skull bone to create an opening, allowing access to the tumor site.
4. Tumor Removal: Special tools, an ultrasonic aspirator to break up the tumor, and suction to gently remove it are used. A microscope may be used for precise tissue visualization during surgery.
5. Replacing the Bone Flap: The removed bone piece is replaced and secured with small metal plates. The skin is stitched over the bone to close the opening, with the scar usually hidden under the hair.

Awake Craniotomy

Awake craniotomy may be suggested if the tumor is near a critical brain area controlling functions like speech, movement, or sensation. This involves:

1. Local Anesthesia: Numbing the skin and muscles around the skull and brain.
2. Creating an Opening: The surgeon makes an opening in the skull.
3. Awake Surgery: The patient may be awake for part of the surgery, performing tasks like speaking or moving a part of the body while the surgeon checks brain function.
4. Tumor Removal: The surgeon uses tools to remove the tumor while preserving healthy tissue.
5. Closing the Opening: The skull piece is replaced, and the incision is stitched.

Neuroendoscopy

Neuroendoscopy involves using an endoscope to remove part or all of a tumor in the brain’s fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) or address hydrocephalus. The procedure includes:

1. Anesthesia and Positioning: The patient is anesthetized and positioned on the operating table.
2. Creating a Small Opening: A small hole is drilled in the skull.
3. Inserting the Endoscope: The endoscope is guided to the tumor site.
4. Tumor Removal: Using the camera and tools on the endoscope, the surgeon removes the tumor.
5. Closing the Opening: The hole in the skull is securely closed.

Pituitary Gland Surgery via the Nose

Transnasal pituitary gland surgery involves:

1. Anesthesia and Positioning: The patient is anesthetized and positioned appropriately.
2. Incision in the Nasal Septum: A small incision is made in the nasal septum.
3. Inserting Surgical Tools: Tools are guided to the pituitary gland.
4. Tumor Removal: The surgeon uses an endoscope and tools to remove the tumor.
5. Closing the Incision: The nasal septum incision is closed securely.

Chemotherapy During Surgery

Chemotherapy can be delivered directly to the tumor site during brain surgery using devices like the Ommaya reservoir, providing targeted treatment without affecting the rest of the body.

Surgery to Drain Excess Brain Fluid

In cases of hydrocephalus, surgery to drain fluid buildup in the brain can be performed during tumor removal or as a separate procedure to relieve brain pressure and prevent complications.

Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries

Spinal cord tumor surgeries are typically performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible while protecting the spinal cord and major nerves. Indications include:

• Spinal cord compression.
• Non-responsive tumors to traditional radiation therapy.
• Spinal instability not correctable with minimally invasive surgery.

Advanced Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries

Some advanced spinal cord tumor surgeries offered include:

• Posterolateral Resection: Removing spinal cord tumors and aligning the spine through a mid-back incision.
• En Bloc Resection: Removing the tumor in one piece, often used for primary tumors like giant cell tumors.
• Metastatic Spine Tumor Surgery: Stabilizing the spine, reducing pain, preventing paralysis, and increasing mobility.

Common Procedures for Metastatic Spinal Cord Tumors

1. Spinal Cord Decompression: Relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, allowing high-dose radiation without spinal cord injury risk.
2. Spinal Instrumentation: Securing the spine with screws and rods to redistribute pressure and stabilize fractured or collapsed vertebrae.

Best Surgeon for Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Surgeries

Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for successful brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries. Professor Dr. Yousry Anwar El-Hamili and his medical team stand out for their:

• Extensive Experience: Years of experience in brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries.
• Advanced Techniques: Utilizing the latest surgical techniques and best clinical practices.
• Coordinated Care: Working together seamlessly to provide optimal patient care.
• Reputation: Renowned for their expertise in neurosurgery.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Prioritizing patient safety and comfort.
• High Success Rates: Demonstrating exceptional skill and precision.

For a consultation with Professor Dr. Yousry Anwar El-Hamili and to learn more about the brain and spinal cord tumor surgeries offered, contact us today. Do not hesitate to reach out to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have. Be in safe hands with our team of expert surgeons and book your consultation today.