Wed Sep 18 13:36:55 UTC 2024: ## Brain Tumor Removed While Patient Watches Movie: Innovative Surgery in Kakinada

**Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh:** In a remarkable display of medical innovation, doctors at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada successfully removed a brain tumor from a 55-year-old patient while she watched her favorite movie, “Adhurs.” The surgery, known as “Awake Craniotomy,” involved keeping the patient conscious throughout the procedure, allowing doctors to ensure no vital nerves were damaged.

Anantalakshmi, a resident of A. Kothapalli village, had been suffering from debilitating symptoms including weakness in her right arm and leg, severe headaches, fainting, and numbness. Unable to afford private treatment, she was admitted to the GGH on September 11th. Tests revealed a 3.3 x 2.7 cm tumor on the left side of her brain.

The medical team, led by Dr. A. Vishnuvardhan (Head of Anaesthesiology) and Dr. Vijaysekhar (Head of Neurosurgery), opted for Awake Craniotomy. To keep Anantalakshmi distracted, they played comedy scenes from her favorite film, “Adhurs,” on a tablet. The surgery lasted two-and-a-half hours, during which Anantalakshmi remained blissfully unaware of the procedure.

Following the surgery, Anantalakshmi was able to sit up and have breakfast. She is expected to be discharged within five days.

Doctors explained that Awake Craniotomy allows patients to respond to questions during surgery, ensuring no critical nerves are damaged. This approach has been used successfully in other parts of the world, but this is the first time it has been performed at the GGH in Kakinada. Anantalakshmi’s successful surgery marks a significant achievement for the hospital and underscores the increasing adoption of innovative surgical techniques in India.

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