Sakra World Hospital Performs Complex Meningioma Surgery on Ghanaian Patient Without Blood Transfusion

Bangalore: A team of expert neurosurgeons at Sakra World Hospital, led by Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, Director & HOD - Institute of Neurosciences, and Dr. Shylesh M P, Associate Consultant - Neurosurgery, successfully performed a complex craniotomy for the excision of a 10x9 cm meningioma on a 34-year-old international patient from Ghana.

The patient, Mr. Adan (name changed), presented with left-sided weakness that had persisted for a year, worsening headaches for the past eight months, and a seizure episode two months ago that exacerbated his condition. An MRI Brain Contrast revealed a large right parietal convexity meningioma, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

Dr. Arjun Srivatsa explained, "A meningioma is a tumour that grows from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While it is not brain cancer, its growth can press on the brain, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to serious complications. Most meningiomas grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment, but large tumours causing brain compression demand urgent attention."

Mr. Adan, a follower of Jehovah’s Witness beliefs, refused any blood transfusion or blood products, posing a significant challenge to the surgical and anaesthetic team. Meningiomas are highly vascular tumours that tend to bleed profusely during surgery, requiring meticulous surgical techniques to control intraoperative blood loss.

Dr. Arjun elaborated, "Since the patient strictly opposed blood transfusions, our team had to adopt advanced surgical strategies to minimize blood loss. Despite all precautions, significant bleeding was encountered, leading to a drop in hemoglobin levels. However, we successfully resected the entire tumour without complications, and the patient recovered well post-surgery."

Following surgery, Mr. Adan experienced generalized weakness, dizziness, and anaemia due to low hemoglobin levels. The team managed his condition with Human Recombinant Erythropoietin, a medication that stimulates red blood cell production, while also initiating neurorehabilitation and physiotherapy.

Dr. Arjun emphasized, "Significant advancements in anaesthesia and surgical techniques allow us to minimize blood loss, which is particularly beneficial for Jehovah's Witness patients. Operating on such patients requires both medical precision and respect for their beliefs. Timely diagnosis and prompt intervention are key to a successful recovery."

At the time of discharge, Mr. Adan was mobile, feeding well, and returned home without neurological deficits, grateful for the team's expertise and their respect for his choices.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Adan expressed, "After surgery, I felt relieved as my headaches decreased, and I regained strength and mobility. I am grateful for the successful outcome and the team's understanding of my decision to avoid a blood transfusion."