Removal of a giant neoplasm of the brain in a child

monday,  14  Ноябрь  2022

In July of this year, as a result of an MRI examination of an 11-year-old boy from the Balkhash city, doctors in the Almaty region discovered a mass formation in the pineal region of the brain. Doctors from the Almaty region recommended surgical treatment at the National Center for Neurosurgery. The formation of the brain turned out to be a complex localization, while high-tech medical care was required with modern diagnostic and surgical equipment.

The clinical case of the child was discussed at the consultation of doctors of the National Center for Neurosurgery with the participation of Academician Prof. Serik Akshulakov. There were the highest risks due to a pineal mass. But fortunately, the doctors coped with the task and performed a successful operation.

“This neoplasm is considered rare in children and accounts for 3% to 8% of all intracranial neoplasms, and presents a complex localization. The child was taken to the operating table in the sitting position. It was important for us to get to the formation safely and remove it as much as possible. The size of the formation reached 4.3 * 4.8 cm. Of course, such an operation is not only difficult from a technical point of view, but also requires the support of modern equipment. In this case, a multiple magnification microscope was used to increase the visibility of the surgical field, which ensures more accurate work of the operating surgeon, as well as a neuromonitoring device that allows monitoring various parts of the nervous system and its pathways. This reduces the likelihood of neurological complications. Lesion was removed completely. The child is already in the ward today” - noted the head of the pediatric neurosurgery department  Dr. Gabit Olenbay.

The operation lasted 4 hours, the operation was performed by doctors with many years of experience. These are Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Professor Serik Akshulakov, Head of the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery Dr. Gabit Olenbay, neurosurgeon Dr. Dmitry Surdin, as well as anesthesiologist resuscitator Dr. Aigul Zhandeldinova and operating nurse Asem Kadyrkhanova. The operation was carried out for free wiithin the framework of the state insurance system.

Mother of the child says that the son grew and developed according to his age, there were no complaints about his health, except for the last few months. The child began to appear frequent vomiting and poor health.

“We were preparing for the school year, buying school supplies with our son, he started vomiting again. A friend who was nearby said I needed to see a doctor urgently. I thought everything would be fine, I didn’t want to believe in the bad, but an MRI showed a formation in the brain. The doctors said I needed an operation, I agreed, but I was very worried. Maybe the fact that he is the youngest son, I have special feelings and love for him. I believe everything will be fine. I am immensely grateful to the doctors of the Neurosurgery Center and our regional doctors. May they all be well, good health to them. Thank you all!” - shared the mother of the child.

From January to October 2022, the doctors of the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery of the Center performed more than 400 neurosurgical operations, of which 119 cases were to remove tumors. In 2021, 540 children received neurosurgical care in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery.