- Advanced two-stage neurosurgical approach enables successful removal of high-grade tumor with excellent recovery
Chennai, 30th March 2026: A team of expert neurosurgeons at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai a part of the Fortis Healthcare, has successfully removed a rare and complex brain tumor located in a critical area of the brain of a 30-year-old man diagnosed with a rare High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP), a newly recognized aggressive brain tumor entity classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.
The tumor was located deep within a critical and surgically challenging area of the brain close to the brainstem and major blood vessels. The team of doctors, spearheaded by Dr. Nigel Symss, HOD, and Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, and Dr Venkatesan Sanjeevi, Senior consultant Neurosurgeon, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, performed a meticulously planned two stage surgical approach lasting approximately eight hour and successfully removed the tumor without complications.
The patient, a native of Lucknow, was admitted at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai in the second week of January 2026 with severe headache, vomiting, and double vision. The MRI scans revealed a mass lesion in the posterior aspect of the third ventricle, that had led to obstructive hydrocephalus, a condition where the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within cavities of the brain called ventricles. This excess fluid causes ventricles to widen, which puts harmful press on the tissues of your brain.
Given the tumor’s critical location, doctors decided to perform two stage procedure. The first procedure involved an emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt) to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain, to relieve the life-threatening hydrocephalus complications. This was followed by a second surgery using a supracerebellar infratentorial approach, enabling safe access to the deep-seated tumor. With the help of advanced neurosurgical tools including Microscopy, Neuronavigation, and Ultrasonic aspirator, the team achieved near total removal of the tumor without any complications.
The surgery was completed successfully without complications, and the patient experienced complete relief from his symptoms. He recovered without neurological deficits and was discharged in a stable condition on the 8th postoperative day. HPE reported as High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP) and Molecular studies confirms the same.
Dr. Nigel Symss, HOD, and Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai said, High-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (HGAP) is a rare, newly recognized tumor by world health organisation in 2021, that requires specialized molecular testing for a definitive diagnosis. For this patient, combination of tumor type and location is uncommon, and only a few specialized centers in India are equipped to perform such complex surgeries safely. We are happy that the procedure was successful and patient recovery was good, added Dr Nigel
Highlighting the patient’s complications, Dr Venkatesan Sanjeevi, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, said, “The location of this tumor made it one of the more challenging cases we encounter in Neurosurgery. Careful staging of the procedures and the use of advanced Neuronavigation and Microsurgical techniques allowed us to remove the tumor safely while preserving critical brain functions. The patient’s smooth recovery and early discharge reflect the effectiveness of this approach.”
Ms Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital Head, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, added, “Treating rare tumors in deep and functionally critical brain regions requires the right combination of surgical expertise, advanced technology, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. This case reflects our commitment to precision planning, patient safety, and outcomes that minimise morbidity even in highly complex neurosurgical situations.”
Mr Anil Vinayak, Group Chief Operating Officer, Fortis Healthcare, said, “This successful outcome reflects the strength of the Fortis network and its centres of excellence across India. Complex and rare cases demand advanced technology, specialised teams, and strong clinical governance, and we remain committed to delivering world-class care for patients facing the most challenging medical conditions.”
