Brainstem Glioma Treatment in India
About Brainstem Glioma
Key Highlights
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Directly addresses the tumor mass to relieve pressure on critical brainstem structures.Provides a definitive tissue sample (biopsy) for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.Can potentially improve or stabilize neurological symptoms like difficulty swallowing, walking, or facial weakness.Utilizes advanced technology like neuronavigation and intraoperative monitoring for enhanced precision and safety.Often a crucial first step in a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary treatment plan.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a focal, well-defined brainstem tumor that is causing significant mass effect or neurological deficits.
- Need for a tissue biopsy to confirm the glioma type (e.g., diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma vs. focal glioma) when imaging is inconclusive.
- Progressive neurological symptoms unresponsive to non-surgical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain) caused by the tumor obstructing cerebrospinal fluid pathways.
- Suspicion of a low-grade or exophytic tumor that may be more amenable to surgical resection.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and advanced imaging (MRI, often with spectroscopy or perfusion).
- Pre-operative counseling with the neurosurgical team to discuss goals, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Medication review; some blood thinners may need to be stopped days before surgery.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the procedure as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Possible placement of special monitoring devices (e.g., for intraoperative neurophysiology).
- Arranging for post-operative support and care during the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Damage to critical brainstem nuclei, potentially leading to worsened swallowing (dysphagia), speech difficulty, or facial weakness.
- Injury to motor or sensory pathways, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) or infection within the surgical site.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or development of hydrocephalus.
- Stroke, respiratory complications, or cardiovascular instability due to brainstem manipulation.
- Incomplete tumor resection or recurrence of the glioma.
- General risks of anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in an intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring of vital functions and neurological status.
- Management of pain, swelling, and potential nausea with medications.
- Gradual mobilization with assistance from physical and occupational therapists.
- Possible need for a temporary feeding tube if swallowing is impaired.
- Speech and swallowing therapy may be initiated as needed.
- Follow-up imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of tumor resection and monitor for recurrence.
- Coordination with oncology for adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
- Ongoing outpatient rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
Several weeks to months for initial functional recovery; long-term rehabilitation may be ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering brainstem glioma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for brainstem glioma in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform brainstem glioma. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for brainstem glioma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 4,955 – USD 13,214 | 7-14 days | ~ Several weeks to months for initial functional recovery; long-term rehabilitation may be ongoing. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 36,880 – USD 98,347 | 7-14 days | ~ Several weeks to months for initial functional recovery; long-term rehabilitation may be ongoing. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Brainstem Glioma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing brainstem glioma.
Hyderabad, India
67 Doctors
Navya Williams, a 28-year-old high school...
Navya Williams, a 28-year-old high school biology teacher and avid rock climber, began experiencing persistent double vision and a slight droop on the left side of her face. Over several months, she developed worsening balance, making her beloved climbs impossible, and occasional difficulty swallowing. An MRI revealed a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in her brainstem. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the tumor's location and diffuse nature, complete surgical removal was too dangerous. He recommended a stereotactic biopsy followed by targeted radiation therapy to slow progression and alleviate symptoms. Navya underwent the minimally invasive biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis. The subsequent six weeks of daily radiation were exhausting. Post-procedure, her double vision and balance improved significantly within two months, allowing her to return to teaching, though climbing remained off the table. Emotionally, she cycled through terror at the diagnosis, frustration during treatment, and finally, a hard-won acceptance. She now channels her energy into advocacy and finds deep meaning in mentoring her students, living with a managed chronic condition.
Neurosurgeons for Brainstem Glioma
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform brainstem glioma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 30 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar