In a dramatic turn during a high-risk brain tumor surgery, doctors at Aster Prime Hospitals revived a 43-year-old patient who suffered a cardiac arrest mid-procedure and then successfully completed the operation, leading to a full neurological recovery.
Patient Background and Surgical Team
As per the press release, the patient, a carpenter from Hyderabad, has diabetes and weighs 82 kg. He underwent surgery to remove a right-sided brain tumor under the leadership of Dr. P. Ranganadham, HOD and Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery. Dr. Praveen Chandra and Dr. Lanka Krishna assisted him, along with senior anesthetists and a multidisciplinary operating team.
Sudden Crisis in the Operating Room
Approximately 60 minutes into the procedure, after the team had partially removed the tumor and opened the skull, the patient’s heart rate suddenly dropped, resulting in cardiac arrest.
Explaining the situation, Dr. Ranganadham said, “Performing CPR during open brain surgery presents exceptional challenges because we keep the head elevated to control intracranial pressure. Therefore, we immediately flattened the operating table to allow effective resuscitation. The team administered three rounds of electrical defibrillation while continuing advanced life support measures.”
For nearly an hour, the team worked relentlessly. Finally, their sustained efforts paid off when the patient’s heart restarted.
Surgery Continues Despite the Setback
Despite the life-threatening crisis, the team decided to proceed with the surgery. At that stage, they had temporarily removed the strong skull bone flap and set aside the protective brain covering, the dura mater. Consequently, the brain began to swell outward, creating a tense and critical moment in the operating theatre.
However, visible brain pulsations soon confirmed the restoration of blood circulation. Encouraged by this sign, the surgeons carefully excised the remaining tumor. Meanwhile, a cardiologist evaluated the patient intraoperatively and found no major underlying cardiac abnormality.
Experience, Preparedness, and Teamwork
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Ranganadham said, “This was one of the most intense moments in my surgical journey of over 44 years. Nevertheless, our preparedness, teamwork, and faith in our training helped us bring the patient back from the brink and safely complete the surgery.”
Rapid Recovery and Positive Outcome
By the next morning, the medical team removed the ventilator. The patient regained full consciousness and remained neurologically intact. Importantly, he showed no signs of left-sided weakness, a common risk associated with right-brain surgeries.
Subsequently, doctors discharged him in stable condition. He has since returned for follow-up visits and continues to remain in good health.