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Skull Base & Spine Surgery in Mukundapur

Skull Base & Spine Surgery

Skull Base & Spine Surgery in Mukundapur

Skull Base and Spine Surgery are highly specialised surgeries that require precision to achieve desired results. They are performed to address various conditions affecting the skull base, spine, and its surrounding structures. These intricate surgeries aim to treat complex disorders such as tumours, injuries, deformities, and degenerative diseases that collectively impact neurological function and overall quality of life. Both of these surgeries require advanced techniques and are mostly done using minimally invasive procedures with image-guided navigation techniques to minimise risks to the vital adjacent structures. 

Our team of skilled neurosurgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, is highly experienced and trained in performing simple to complex skull base and spine surgeries. We employ minimally invasive techniques, providing personalised treatment and improved patient outcomes. Skull base & spine surgery in Mukundapur involves removing or treating growth, tumours, or abnormalities on the underside of the brain, the skull base, or the top few vertebrae of the spinal column. As both surgeries involve complex and vital parts of the body, these procedures require a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach. Neurosurgeons, radiologists, maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and other specialists work together to provide better treatment outcomes for these surgeries. Advances in surgical technology, imaging diagnostics, and pre and post-operative care ensure improved surgical outcomes and better recovery by reducing complications for patients undergoing these complex procedures. 

FAQ's

Skull Base Surgery can be used to treat various conditions related to the skull, such as:

  • Pituitary tumours

  • Cerebrospinal fluid fistulas

  • Growths caused by infections

  • Meningiomas

  • Trigeminal neuralgia

  • Chordomas

  • Craniopharyngiomas

  • Craniosynostosis

  • Cerebral aneurysm

  • Arteriovenous malformations

A growth or abnormality in the skull area can cause various symptoms, which differ due to the size, type, and location of the growth or abnormality. The common ones are:

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Vomiting

  • Facial pain

  • Peripheral field vision loss

  • Changes in personality

  • Fatigue

  • Adrenal insufficiency

  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

  • Numbness or weakness in the face

  • Stunted growth or delayed puberty in children

  • Nasal congestion or frequent sinus infections

  • Low blood pressure

Our neurologist will decide whether to proceed with Skull Base Surgery based on the symptoms and a physical exam. As this part of your body cannot be seen directly, the following diagnostic and imaging tests are important. These are:

  • Brain imaging studies: These include tests that can create pictures of the skull, which helps in seeing the growth or abnormality. These are MRI, MRA, PET, and CT scans.

  • Biopsy: In this, a small piece of growth in the skull base is removed and examined under a microscope. It can be done endoscopically, through a fine needle aspiration, or an excisional biopsy. 

  • Other tests: Some other studies or scans related to other areas or parts of the body may also be checked to gather more information.

Owing to its complexity, our medical team will closely monitor and care for you after the Skull Base Surgery. It aims to bring you back to your normal daily life with ease. Some people may need continued therapy such as Radiotherapy, Proton Beam Therapy, or Radiosurgery. You will need to undergo repeated imaging tests to assess if the growth or abnormality has not bounced back. Skull Base Surgery is stressful, so it's important to ask for emotional support from your family and friends for a better recovery. Our team provides counselling, support groups, and mental health support.
 

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, getting Spine Surgery becomes necessary. There are also various other conditions in which conservative treatment options like medication, physical therapy, or spinal injections fail to provide relief, necessitating the need for Spine Surgery. Spine Surgery is recommended in the following cases:

  • Spinal deformities like scoliosis or kyphosis

  • Herniated or ruptured discs

  • Spinal infection, fractures, or tumours

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Severe spinal cord injury

  • Spinal cord compression or nerve impingement

  • Spinal instability

  • Intractable pain

  • Foot or wrist drop

  • Trouble walking or using your hands

Neurosurgeons, or orthopaedic surgeons, are responsible for performing spine surgeries. Common types of Spine Surgery are:

  • Spinal fusion

  • Discectomy

  • Disc herniation

  • Laminectomy

  • Artificial disc replacement

  • Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty

Nowadays, Spine Surgery is usually done using a minimally invasive technique, as it offers various benefits over traditional open surgery. These are:

  • Less blood loss during surgery

  • Reduced risk of infection

  • A shorter hospital stay

  • Better and shorter recovery time

  • Less use of anaesthesia

  • Reduced pain after surgery

  • Less muscle and soft tissue damage

Preparation for these surgeries involves the following steps:

  • Thorough medical evaluation and consultation with the healthcare team. This may include a medical history, a review of medical tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination.

  • You will receive preoperative instructions depending on your specific condition, including fasting and medication management.

  • Discussions about the surgical procedure, risks, and expected outcomes will be done. Also, the doctor will recommend the lifestyle modifications and physical therapies you need to follow for better surgical outcomes.

  • Arrange for a support system, which may be a family member or caregiver who will assist with post-operative care, transportation, and daily activities during recovery time.

Just like every surgery, it comes with certain risks. The common risks associated with Skull Base and Spine Surgery are:

  • Infection

  • Bleeding

  • Nerve injury

  • Spinal cord damage

  • Damage to surrounding structures

  • Cerebrospinal fluid leaks

  • Allergic reactions to anaesthesia

However, these risks can be minimised through meticulous surgical planning and advanced techniques.
 

The advancement in the field of medicine and surgery continues to progress, with some of the most significant advancements seen in minimally invasive spine surgeries. These are:

  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery: The improvement in endoscopes now gives better visibility, light, and 3D depth perception.

  • Robotic-assisted Spinal Surgery: The use of robotic technology in the form of computer-guided spinal robots for spine surgery makes it safer and more accurate. 

  • Artificial intelligence: To predict the specific type of surgery for your condition that will be successful, surgeons can use AI to derive answers from a wealth of available patient data.