For the First Time, UK Doctors Remove Brain Tumor through Eye Socket, Use Keyhole Surgery

In a medical first for the United Kingdom, Ruvimbo Kaviya, 40, had a tumor removed through her eye socket.

In 2023, Kaviya was found to have a brain tumor. Her headaches had been bothering her for a while before the diagnosis. She initially thought it might be a toothache, but in February 2022, these headaches got worse.

But after a dental examination ruled out any issues, she went to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) for emergency care.

Meningiomas—a common brain tumor—were discovered on Kaviya’s MRI close to her left eye and brain stem.

“The diagnosis was unexpected. It was a really overwhelming and stressful period. It was hard for me to manage my medicine, and the agony was intense,” Kaviya stated.

It was challenging to remove the tumors with the surgical techniques that were available. These tumors were located in the cavernous sinus, which is a difficult-to-reach location.

The surgeons then decided to remove the tumor using an endoscope, which is a flexible tube equipped with a camera.

As the tumor grew, I maintained my optimism when I was informed about the surgery. The best course of action for me was to proceed with the treatment,” Kaviya continued.

Surgery that is Minimally Invasive

The surgeons who performed this minimally invasive surgery were Asim Sheikh and Jiten Parmar. Through a little (1.5 cm) incision on Ruvimbo’s eyelid, they were able to reach the tumor.

“I was amazed by the recovery. I was only in the hospital for two days, with no side effects or swelling. I feel perfectly fine now,” Ruvimbo said.

A lengthy healing period results from the majority of brain tumor surgeries performed today, which frequently entail massive incisions and the removal of portions of the skull.

To remove skull base tumors, an open craniotomy is necessary. A longer recuperation time and damage to the surrounding tissues are the outcomes of this.

This endoscopic transorbital technique offers a less intrusive and safer alternative, according to the specialists.

We can remove tumors using this method without needing to breach the skull or compress or retract the brain. According to Sheikh, Consultant Skullbase and Neurovascular Neurosurgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the procedure’s minimally invasive approach greatly lessens trauma, allowing patients to heal more quickly with less obvious scarring.

Before surgery, 3D Modeling

Biomedical engineer Lisa Ferrie’s creative 3D planning helped make the procedure a success. Surgeons were able to practice the treatment in advance thanks to the creation of a 3D model of Ruvimbo’s anatomy.

“When the surgical team approached me, we used scans of Ruvimbo’s brain and skull to create a 3D replica model,” Ferrie explained.

“This technology enabled the team to study her anatomy in detail and prepare for the procedure with unparalleled accuracy. Seeing the model and knowing it contributed to this groundbreaking surgery is incredibly rewarding,” Ferrie added in the press release.

An important turning point in the management of skull base tumors has been reached with Ruvimbo’s successful operation. Patients with skull base tumors may live better lives with this strategy.

Article Link: interestingengineering.com