Brain Tumor Surgery Aftercare

It is very difficult to generalize how recovery from brain tumor surgery will be like since there are about 100 different types of malignancies. Moreover, human brain contains numerous complex structures composed of billions of connections. Problems which the patient is likely to have, depends upon the location & the type of brain tumor. Yet, almost all people undergoing brain tumor surgery will face challenges during the months following the operation.

Preparing for Brain Tumor Surgery

Since brain is an extremely sensitive & important organ, healthcare teams put all efforts to carefully map locations of brain tumors by using different image scanning techniques before performing surgery. Following this the brain tumor surgery healthcare team will develop a surgical plan & also discuss potential effects & side effects of brain tumor surgery with patients & their families. Goal of brain tumor surgery will however be to remove as much of brain tumor as it is possible, without having to unnecessarily interfere with essential functions of the brain. Like for example, left side of brain controls movement of the right side of the body. Therefore, removal of a brain tumor located on the left side of the brain may cause weakness on the right side of the body. Similarly, surgery for treatment of tumors affecting certain portion of the left frontal lobe is likely to potentially damage Broca’s area, which is the language center of the brain & may eventually lead to difficulties in speech.

Immediately Following Brain Tumor Surgery

Patients & their family members barely start to process as to what happened during the first few weeks after brain tumor surgery. It is only when they are out of the scary surgical backdrop of the hospital that they truly begin to realize the deficits occurred. It now dawns upon the patient as to how much his/her ability to care for himself has been affected, including the ability to think, remember & cognitively interact. However, the patient must proactively recognize the challenges put forth by brain tumor surgery in order to facilitate proper recovery. During the first few months, the patient will not have the energy to think about anything expect recovering. They will need to emotionally process the brain tumor surgery experience & come to terms with the newly positioned life. This can be very hard in most cases.

Brain Tumor Surgery Aftercare at the Hospital

It is quite normal for brain tumor surgery patients to feel lethargic, tired & overwhelmed during their stay at the hospital. Most patients would however be talking, walking & eating a normal diet within few days after brain tumor surgery, but may not be able to understand a thing for quite some time, despite the fact that their cognition were intact. It is just not possible to process the magnitude of brain tumor surgery for some time after the operation. Family & friends of the patient can be very supportive & quite essential during the recovery period. Occupational & physical therapy can also be very helpful for the patient & the family to adapt to the new physical limitations as they occur. Occupational therapists, rehabilitation medicine physicians & neuropsychologists specializing in neurological rehab can help brain tumor surgery patients develop strategies like relying on taking written notes in order to deal with cognitive issues.

Best Brain Tumor Treatment in India

Brain tumor surgery cost in India is a pleasant surprise for an international patient who is burdened by the high-cost of neurosurgery within his/her own country.  Brain tumor surgery success rate figures in India are also high & most hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology so as to allow neurosurgeons perform the most complex surgical interventions. It is not only the brain tumor treatment cost in India alone which is attracting a growing number of patients from every nook & corner of the world, but the healthcare atmosphere within the country is also cozy & comfortable for speedy recovery of international patients, thanks to courteous English speaking nurses & professional staff.

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How Exactly Is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?

What Is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee Replacement Surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic surgery. This surgery is performed to replace the damaged knee joint with an artificial joint. Knee replacement surgery uses modern biomaterials. These modern biomaterials are made of a synthetic or partially synthetic material which is used to take the place of parts of the body which mimics the function of the natural joint. Use of modern material allows knee replacements to last well in appropriately selected patients.

Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is a less invasive technique which is not recommended to everyone. This approach is performed by making a small incision which reduces postoperative pain and has a faster recovery.

Candidates for Minimal Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery

Minimal invasive knee replacement surgery is not recommended to everyone. Before recommending this surgery the surgeons perform a thorough evaluation considering several factors. Generally, the right candidate for minimally invasive knee replacement surgery are younger, thinner, more active, healthier and most importantly are motivated to participate in the rehabilitation process, as compared to patients who undergo traditional knee replacement surgery. Patients who are overweight or have already undergone other knee surgeries are less suitable for minimally invasive surgery.  

How is Minimal Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery performed?

Minimally invasive surgery is performed by making 4 to 6 inches long incision. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in sterile conditions. The patient is asked to lay on their back and a tourniquet is applied on their upper thigh to reduce blood loss. The surgeon then makes an incision along the affected knee to expose the knee joint. While performing this surgery the surgeon focuses on the femur which is the thighbone and removes its damaged part in appropriate angles using specialized jigs. The surgeon then attaches the femoral component at the end of the femur with or without the bone cement.

Next, the surgeon removes the damaged area of the tibia and the cartilage which provides a smooth surface to which the implants are attached. The tibial component is then secured to the end of the bone with the help of cement or screws. The surgeon then places a piece of plastic which is also referred as articular surface between the implants to ensure a smooth gliding movement. The plastic material inserted acts same as the original articular cartilage which supports the body weight and allows the femur bone to move over the tibia. The tibia and the femur help the new component to put together to form the new knee joint. 

To ensure that the knee cap glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is prepared in such a way that plastic components can be attached to it. The knee joint is examined with all the new components placed together. The excess cement is then removed and the entire joint is cleaned out a sterile saline solution. The incision is then carefully closed. 

Benefits of undergoing Minimal Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery

• Smaller incision.
• Less loss of blood. 
• Less disturbance to nearby tissues.
• Less discomfort.
• Less pain.
• Shorter stay at hospitals.
• Shorter period of rehabilitation
• Earlier return to work.
• Faster Recovery.

Why India for Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery?

The knee replacement surgery success rate in India is very high which has attracted many patients abroad. Knee joint replacement surgery cost in India is very less as compared to in any other country. India has some of the best orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals that offer services for minimally invasive knee replacement surgery at the most affordable costs.

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Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries

There are two main types of hip replacement operations involving a number of different components and surgical techniques that can be employed for the purpose.

Hip Replacement Surgery Procedures

Total hip replacement surgery procedure involves removing part of the thigh bone including the head of femur and replacing it with a smaller artificial ball which is fixed into the remaining thigh bone. Then, the surface of the existing socket in pelvis is roughened so as to accept the new artificial socket component which will articulate with the new ball component. There are a number of artificial hip replacement components which are required to be fixed in bone with acrylic cement, although these components are nowadays more commonly inserted without cement in young and more active patients. However, surfaces of hip joint implants are roughened or specially treated to encourage bone growth inside them in case cement is not being used. Moreover, since bone is a living tissue and as long as it is healthy and strong, it will continue to renew over time and eventually create a long lasting bond. Hip replacement surgery procedure where only one portion of the implant is fixed with cement is called a hybrid hip replacement.

Artificial hip replacement components can be made of polyethylene plastic, ceramic or metal and can also be used in varying combinations. Some of these common combinations are listed below.

• Metal-on-Plastic - This is the most widely used hip replacement surgery procedure combination which involves a metal ball with a plastic socket.
• Ceramic-on-Plastic - This can either be a ceramic ball with a plastic socket or even ceramic-on-ceramic involving both parts made of ceramic. These types of artificial hip replacement joint implants are most often used among younger and more active patients.
• Metal-on-Metal - This artificial hip joint replacement implant involves a metal ball along with a metallic socket. This type of hip replacement implant is occasionally used among young and more active patients.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing

Resurfacing the original hip socket along with the ball of thighbone is another type of hip replacement surgery procedure. In place of removing the femoral head of the thighbone and replacing with an artificial ball, a hollow metal cap is fitted over the head of the thighbone in the hip resurfacing procedure. The socket part of the hip joint is also resurfaced with another metal component in this procedure. Moreover, people undergoing hip resurfacing procedure have low risk of dislocation and are therefore able to return to higher levels of physical activity when compared with those patients having undergone conventional hip replacement surgery procedures.

Risks & Complications with Metal-on-Metal Hip (MoM) Resurfacing Surgery

MoM hip surfacing surgery is linked with release of metal particles from artificial joint replacement materials and which often cause local inflammatory reactions imparting unknown effects on the general health of patients. Complication rates are also particularly high among older patients and women who have undergone MoM hip resurfacing procedures. This is the reason why this procedure is not suitable for people having osteoporosis or low bone density where bones are usually weak. Moreover, very little is known about long-term performance of MoM hip resurfacing joints as this technique is fairly new and has not long been used as total hip replacement procedure.

Success Rate of Hip Replacement Surgery

Success rate of hip replacement surgery is very high with more than 95 percent of the patients experiencing good relief from hip pain. Success rate of hip replacement surgery after 10 years span is 90 - 95 percent and after 20 years span is about 80 - 85 percent. Moreover, if a hip replacement surgery implant loosens or wears away, revision procedure to a new hip replacement is always possible. Newer and modern artificial hip joint implants are meant to last for 15 years or more. But then, there is always a small amount of risk that these joints may need some adjusting in between this time and may therefore call for further surgery in order to repair or replace the joint.

Low Cost Hip Replacement Surgery in India

Hip replacement surgery in India is an exciting opportunity for the international patient who is finding it difficult to afford the price of hip replacement procedure in his/her homeland. While the quality of artificial hip joint is excellent, hip replacement surgery cost in India adds to fact that healthcare services in this country have come of age and it is not any coincidence that India has undeniably emerged as a leading global medical tourism destination. Healthcare industry in India features a large pool of orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons and an extensive network of accredited multispecialty hospital facilities committed to adhere to international standards of excellence.

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Types of Primary & Secondary Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are classified into two basic groups, primary & secondary brain tumors.

• Primary Brain Tumors

Tumors which originate within the brain tissue are called primary brain tumors. These are further classified by the type of tissue they arise in. Gliomas are the most common type of brain tumors which begin in the supportive tissue. Some types of gliomas include the following.

• Astrocytomas – These arise from small star-shaped cells known as astrocytes & which can grow anywhere in brain. Astrocytomas in adults usually arise in cerebellum, & they occur in the cerebellum, cerebrum & brain stem in children. Grade III astrocytomas are sometimes known as anaplastic astrocytoma & Grade IV astrocytomas as glioblastoma multiforme.


• Oligodendrogliomas – These arise within the cells producing myelin, the fatty covering protecting nerves. These are usually located in cerebrum & grow slowly without spreading into surrounding brain tissue.


• Ependymomas – These are usually found to develop in lining of ventricles. Also occurring in the spinal cord, ependymomas can develop at any age & are the most common among children & adolescents.

Other Types of Primary Brain Tumors

• Meningiomas – These grow from meninges & are usually benign. Since they grow very slowly brain can adjust to their presence at times. However, meningiomas can grow quite large before they display symptoms. Moreover, these occur most often in women between 30 – 50 years of age.


• Schwannomas – These are generally benign tumors which arise within Schwann cells producing myelin. Acoustic neuromas are a type of schwannoma which occur mainly in adults. Schwannomas affect women twice as often as they occur in men.


• Craniopharyngiomas – These tumors develop in the region of pituitary gland near hypothalamus. Although generally benign, they are sometimes considered malignant as they can press upon or damage hypothalamus & affect vital functions. Craniopharyngiomas most often occur among children & adolescents.


• Germ Cell Tumors – Germ cell tumors generally arise from sex cells which are developing (primitive) or germ cells itself. Germinoma is the most frequent type of germ cell tumor.


• Pineal Region Tumors – These are usually occurring around the pineal gland which is a tiny organ located at the center of the brain. These tumors which are slow growing are known as pineocytoma & fast growing pineoblastoma. Since pineal region is very difficult to reach through brain tumor surgery & most often these tumors cannot be removed.

• Secondary Brain Tumors

These types of brain tumors are usually caused from cancers which originate in other parts of the body. This spread of cancer within the body is known as metastasis. Cancer which metastasizes & spreads to the brain is the same disease & therefore keeps the original primary cancer name. Like for example, lung cancer which spreads to brain is called metastatic lung cancer since cells in the secondary tumor resemble abnormal lung cells & not brain cells. Moreover, brain tumor treatment for secondary brain cancers usually depends upon where the cancer has originated & upon the extent of spread along with factors like patient’s general health, age & response to prior treatments.

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Brain Tumor Treatments: Myths & Facts You Should Know

Mere word ‘Brain Tumor’ is scary as people feel insecure & angry about this condition. It is largely due to the myths which are associated with brain tumor, brain tumor surgery & brain tumor treatment. The success rates of brain tumor treatment vary, depending on size and location of tumor in the brain. Survival rates of brain and spinal cord tumors are based on outcomes of people. Information provided here is an attempt to empower the reader with true facts concerning brain tumors.

Myth 1: Brain tumor is a very rare medical condition.

Truth: Wrong, brain tumors are not rare but relatively infrequent. There are only few people who are able to access proper healthcare & seek treatment. Owing to lack of advanced technology & facility for diagnosis & detection, it was earlier felt that brain tumors were a rare phenomenon. However, now with MRI & CT scans have made it quite easy to identify & detect brain tumors.

Myth 2: Benign brain tumors are not any serious issue.

Truth: Wrong again, benign or noncancerous brain tumors are still a serious issue since it depends upon where it is located & its accessibility for surgical removal. When benign tumors are located in inaccessible areas of the brain from where brain tumor surgery cannot be performed, then it is as bad as any malignant tumor located anywhere else in the brain.

Myth 3: Lifestyle modifications will help prevent developing brain tumors.

Truth: No, lifestyle changes are unable to prevent brain tumors. But changes in lifestyle are good for many other types of health concerns & good for overall health & well being of a person. Proper diet, regular exercise & avoiding intake of toxic substances will invariably boost health.

Myth 4: All brain tumors have the same symptoms.

Truth: All brain tumors & brain tumor patients do not have similar symptoms, though they may have some symptoms which are common among them. Generally, as all brain tumors expand inside head they raise pressure inside skull & therefore common symptoms include headaches, vomiting & giddiness. However, other symptoms like weakness, seizures, loss of hearing or vision or speech & loss of balance depend upon the location of brain tumor inside skull.

Myth 5: Young people do not have brain tumors.

Truth: This is not true as age has got nothing to do with brain tumors as they can also develop in newborns. However, it is a fact that brain tumors among old people often turn out to be malignant (cancerous) in most cases.

Myth 6: Brain tumor treatments will stop them from developing again.

Truth: This is far away from truth, although benign tumors rarely develop after removal by surgery, barring a few cases which have been reported to recur even after a gap of 10 – 15 years. Nevertheless, regular follow-ups with the neurosurgeon are absolutely necessary after surgery to rule out recurrence of brain tumors. Moreover, early diagnosis & prompt brain tumor surgery will ensure better outcomes. Thanks to advanced diagnostic techniques & brain tumor treatment options, patients with the most malignant tumors are able to survive & live for years without experiencing any trace of recurrence of brain tumors after surgery.

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