Hyderabad: In a path-breaking medical accomplishment, AIG Hospitals here has become the first to successfully complete India’s first-ever robotic thermoablative disconnection surgery on a patient suffering from hypothalamic hamartoma with drug refractory epilepsy.
This cutting-edge procedure marks a significant milestone in the field of neurosurgery and offers new hope to patients with this complex neurological condition.
Hypothalamic hamartoma is a rare, non-cancerous tumor-like malformation located in the hypothalamus region of the brain. It affects a small percentage of the population and is often associated with drug-resistant epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and other neurological symptoms. Until now, treatment options for this condition have been limited and often ineffective in providing long-term relief.
Led by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and neuroaneasthesiologists, the doctors from the Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery at AIG Hospitals utilized state-of-the-art robotic technology to perform a thermoablative disconnection of the hamartoma from the hypothalamus. This rare technique combines the precision and dexterity of robotic systems with advanced imaging and ablation technology, allowing for targeted and minimally invasive treatment.
Dr Raghu Samala, Consultant Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery detailed about the procedure.
The robotic system guided the surgeons in precisely locating and disconnecting the hamartoma from the surrounding neural structures, thereby interrupting the abnormal circuitry that contributes to drug-resistant epilepsy. The thermoablative technique involved the controlled application of heat to destroy the hamartoma, while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. This innovative approach offers improved safety, precision, and potentially faster recovery times for patients.
The successful outcome of this first-ever robotic thermoablative disconnection surgery represents a major advancement in the management of hypothalamic hamartoma and drug refractory epilepsy. By targeting the source of the epilepsy with enhanced precision, patients can experience a significant reduction in seizures, improved cognitive function, and enhanced quality of life.
Dr. Subodh Raju, Director & Head of the Neurosurgical team, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking achievement: “We are extremely proud to have successfully performed the first robotic thermoablative disconnection surgery on a patient with hypothalamic hamartoma and drug refractory epilepsy. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for patients with such complex neurological conditions, offering new possibilities for improved outcomes and a brighter future.”
Dr. Raju further added that “complex surgeries like these are reminiscent of true teamwork. In this case, the patient was under primary care of doctors from Rainbow Hospitals who were involved in the entire surgical planning process.”
The neurosurgical team at AIG Hospitals remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and improving the lives of patients with challenging neurosurgical conditions. Their pioneering work underscores their commitment to advancing patient care and offering hope to individuals who have previously faced limited treatment options.
