Jalandhar, Punjab:
Patel Hospital, Jalandhar, has successfully performed a rare and highly complex awake brain surgery (awake craniotomy) on a 42-year-old woman from Nawanshahr, diagnosed with a brain tumour located in Wernicke’s area—the part of the brain responsible for speech comprehension and language processing.
Tumours in this region pose a significant challenge, as even minimal damage can result in permanent speech and language loss. Recognising the high risk involved, the neurosurgical team at Patel Hospital opted for an advanced awake brain surgery technique to ensure the patient’s speech function was preserved.
Why Awake Brain Surgery Was Necessary
According to doctors, the tumour was located deep inside the brain, closely surrounded by critical neural pathways controlling speech and comprehension. Performing the surgery under full general anaesthesia would not have allowed real-time assessment of speech, greatly increasing the risk of irreversible neurological damage.
To minimise this risk, the team chose awake craniotomy, a specialised neurosurgical procedure in which the patient remains conscious and responsive during surgery. This approach allows surgeons to continuously monitor speech, understanding, and responsiveness while safely removing the tumour.
Advanced Technology Ensured Precision and Safety
The surgery was led by Dr Manbachan Singh, Neuro & Spine Surgeon, with expert anaesthesia support from Dr Yasir Rajak and Dr Saurav Bhateja, who ensured the patient remained calm, comfortable, and pain-free throughout the long and technically demanding procedure.
Several advanced technologies were used to enhance surgical precision and patient safety:
- Neuronavigation System:
Functioning like a GPS for the brain, this system helped surgeons accurately locate the tumour with sub-millimetre precision. - Keyhole Brain Surgery:
Using a minimal skull opening, surgeons were able to remove the tumour while reducing trauma to healthy brain tissue, leading to faster recovery. - CUSA (Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator):
This advanced device selectively breaks down and removes tumour tissue while preserving nearby nerves essential for speech and language.
Real-Time Speech Monitoring During Surgery
Throughout the procedure, the patient remained awake, alert, and communicative. She was asked to answer questions, follow instructions, and even recite the Hanuman Chalisa, allowing doctors to continuously monitor her speech and comprehension in real time.
This real-time feedback played a crucial role in ensuring that vital language functions were fully preserved while achieving safe tumour removal.
Excellent Recovery and Preserved Speech
Doctors reported an excellent postoperative outcome, with the patient’s speech, comprehension, and neurological functions fully intact. The patient recovered well after surgery, with no speech impairment—an outcome that highlights the success of the awake brain surgery approach.
Advancing Neurosurgical Care in Punjab
Hospital authorities stated that this successful procedure reflects Patel Hospital’s growing expertise in advanced neurosurgery, supported by:
- Modern medical technology
- Highly experienced specialists
- A strong focus on patient safety and functional outcomes
Patel Hospital continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for advanced brain and spine surgery in Punjab, offering world-class care closer to home.
Expert Speak
“Tumours located in speech areas of the brain require extreme precision. Awake brain surgery allows real-time assessment of speech and comprehension, enabling us to remove the tumour safely while preserving vital neurological functions.”
— Dr Manbachan Singh
Neuro & Spine Surgeon, Patel Hospital, Jalandhar
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