Viewers of a BBC show were left in amazement after a woman had very high risk surgery done between her brain and ear.
The BBC Two show Saving Lives in Leeds follows doctors at Leeds General Infirmary, documenting the stories of patients amid the rising pressures on the NHS. In episode four of the emotional series, several stories were shown, including one about an elderly woman needing surgery to remove a tumour.
63-year-old Maureen, a charity shop manager was called in for something called a suboccipital craniotomy which is surgery performed to remove an acoustic neroma. An acoustic neuroma is a tumour growing from the nerve responsible for balance and hearing and without treatment, can be life threatening.
Read More: 'Baffled' neighbours left distraught as woman found dead in car in Leeds tragedy
With a team of 11 medical staff including consultant neurosurgeon Kenan Dennis who would be responsible for removing the tumour, Maureen was talked through the procedure. Because the surgery is so complex surgery, Mr Dennis was the only surgeon in the Leeds hospital trust who could perform it.
The operation requires working under extreme pressure and carries some serious risks. Maureen's tumour was first discovered 14 years ago and she was initially given radiation therapy but recently it started to grow.
The tumour grew to the point that it affected her balance meaning she could no longer walk in a straight line. One of the biggest risks of the surgery is total facial paralysis, this happens if the nerve where the tumour is located becomes damaged.
Ahead of the surgery Maureen spoke with doctors about the risks, saying: "The only thing I forgot to do is a will, I know I am not gonna die but it’s one thing I forgot to do.
“When it comes to spiritualism, it’s not about finding a religion, it’s about finding yourself, I know whichever way it goes, it’s my journey and that’s that."
However, if nothing was done it could have pressed on the brainstem causing serious neurological problems. The first part was drilling through the skull and something called the labyrinth which is a critical structure for balance and hearing.
A special machine was fitted to let the surgeons know if they were close to the nerve which could cause facial paralysis. Mr Dennis then took over to work his magic and remove the tumour, in a surgery expected to last around 8 hours. He didn’t stop for a break, going so far as to drink a cup of tea through a straw while continuing the surgery.
The monitor sounded off whenever the nerve was touched, causing the nerve to be “unhappy” meaning if it’s torn or transected there is no noise and that is bad news. After a long surgery, the majority of the tumour was removed with Mr Dennis choosing not to remove anymore lest he cause longer-lasting damage.
Before the surgery ended, the anaesthetist did what is called a “challenge” which is when they increase the patient’s blood pressure to mimic what it is like when they wake up. The challenge is done to check for any bleeds on vessels which could prove fatal.
During the challenge, a bleed was found, in which a fabric with clotting agents was inserted to stem the bleeding. Doctors then waited to find out if Maureen had any damage following the procedure.
The operation was a success, without permanent damage to her facial nerve. She had temporary facial paralysis which can last for over a year but it is expected to be temporary.
People were left amazed at the work done by surgeons in Leeds. With some taking to social media to praise the NHS
@Sarah said: "I’m a few episodes behind but #SavingLives is so eye-opening. And emotional. Blimey. #SavingLivesInLeeds"
@Mike said: The skill, compassion and empathy of these surgeons and nurses. Unbelievable"
@Michelle said: "Isn't it sad seeing the doctors having to push people back while they try to find beds.
"Our NHS is amazing but programs like this show how much it's suffering. The government need to sort this out, it's wrong."
@Jamie said: "Absolutely fascinated again by #SavingLivesInLeeds.. this man pushed for a cranioplasty which apparently is cosmetic on the NHS.. but how does someone avoid damaging their brain if they don’t have this with just a layer of scalp, and dura/arachnoid/pia b/n it and the world!"
Read next:
- Little Leeds boy, 4, is 'allergic to the sun' after health battle and can't go outside
- New Greggs café set to open inside Leeds' Primark store
- Six Leeds fish and chip shops named among very best in the UK in prestigious awards
- Leeds stepdad Dale Manson stabbed love rival after agreeing to meet him for a fight
- 'I've made £17k sending videos brushing my teeth and hoovering to men - my husband is fully supportive'
