Is brain tumor surgery dangerous?

I've just been diagnosed with a brain tumor about 6 cm in size. The doctor at the hospital where I'm being examined has advised me to have surgery soon.

I'm worried that surgery might leave me with sequelae, paralysis, or even turn me into a vegetative state. Is brain tumor curable? Are there as many risks involved in tumor surgery as I'm concerned about, doctor? (Thanh Trinh, 43 years old, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Many brain tumor patients share similar anxieties, such as whether brain tumors are curable, what the prognosis is, how brain tumors are treated, and whether there will be any lasting effects. Brain tumors are dangerous diseases that can be treated using various methods such as targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The success rate depends on each specific case, related to the treatment technique, the nature, location, size, extent of growth and metastasis of the tumor, and the patient's response to treatment.

Currently, Brain tumor surgery is one of the most common treatments for brain tumors. Your 6 cm tumor is large, and if your doctor advises surgery, it means the tumor is suitable for surgical treatment. Depending on the tumor's condition, with the support of modern equipment, the doctor may surgically remove the entire tumor. Or, the doctor may remove a portion of the tumor, as much as possible, avoiding damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue. After surgery, based on the biopsy results, combination therapy such as radiation and chemotherapy may be continued (if needed).

Large brain tumors, if left untreated, can increase in size, making surgery more difficult and increasing the risk of complications. Brain tumor surgery typically requires a high level of expertise and skill from the medical team. However, if outdated techniques and equipment are used, the risk of post-operative complications such as limb weakness, visual impairment, speech difficulties, cerebral hemorrhage, and even disability or death may increase due to damage to healthy nerves and brain tissue during the surgery.

Modern surgical techniques increase the success rate of tumor removal, minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue and surrounding nerve fibers. Currently, the Modus V Synaptive robotic brain surgery system, which utilizes artificial intelligence, offers many advantages over traditional brain surgery methods.

The difference this robot brings is that it allows doctors to clearly see the entire network of nerve pathways and tumors on a single 3D image thanks to its ability to integrate MRI, DTI, CT, DSA, etc. Doctors can also simulate 3D surgery using specialized software, choosing a safe approach to the tumor before the actual surgery, avoiding damage to nerves. The robot also provides warning signals (green, yellow, red) like traffic lights during actual surgery to ensure accurate incisions and prevent deviations.

The new generation Modus V Synaptive brain surgery robot assists surgeons in brain tumor surgery, helping patients who had been paralyzed for six years to walk again. Photo: Freepik

This robotic brain surgery system was recently acquired and put into operation by Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Doctors have successfully performed brain tumor surgeries in difficult locations, helping patients recover quickly and minimizing post-operative complications.

If readers have questions about neurological diseases that need answering, they can submit their questions here.

MSc. Dr. Chu Tan Si
Head of Neurosurgery Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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