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Indian American army doctor devises brain surgery through nose
Major Jagatkumar Patel, an Indian American surgeon in the US Army, has helped develop a minimally invasive brain surgery that removes tumours through the nose, avoiding the need to open the skull. The procedure was carried out at the Walter Reed Army National Medical Centre in Bethesda on Marine Staff Sergeant Andy Archer, who had suffered headaches for 15 years and recently developed vision problems.
An MRI scan revealed a golf-ball-sized tumour (4.4 cm) pressing on his optic nerve. Patel, working with neurosurgeon Lt Col Charles Miller, navigated the nasal anatomy to create a clear surgical pathway. Using an endoscopic camera, Patel provided high-definition visuals while Miller dissected and removed the tumour entirely through the nose.
Two days after surgery, Archer showed no visible signs of having undergone major brain surgery and his vision began to clear. Patel noted that open surgery is no longer necessary for appropriately sized and located tumours, and that the team's approach is unique within the Defense Health Agency.
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This technique, known as endoscopic endonasal surgery, has been used in civilian hospitals for over a decade but is less common in military settings. The procedure reduces recovery time and avoids risks of open skull surgery such as infection and brain damage. For soldiers like Archer, faster recovery means quicker return to duty. The Pentagon's public recognition signals interest in standardising this approach across military hospitals. Key next steps will be tracking long-term outcomes and expanding the team's caseload to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
Source: thehansindia.com
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