Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 19: In a significant achievement in advanced multidisciplinary surgical care, A J Hospital & Research Centre, Mangaluru, has successfully performed a complex and high-risk skull base surgery on a 15-year-old boy from Kasargod district, Kerala, diagnosed with Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA).
The challenging procedure was led by Dr Ajay Kumar, consultant surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon, with the support of a specialised multidisciplinary team comprising Dr Deepalakshmi, consultant ENT surgeon, and Dr Sanath Bhandary, consultant plastic surgeon, along with experienced teams from anaesthesia and critical care.
A rare and high-risk tumour
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, benign but locally aggressive vascular tumour that predominantly affects adolescent boys. Although it is non-cancerous, the tumour can grow extensively and cause significant complications due to its highly vascular nature and proximity to critical structures.
In this case, the tumour was located at the skull base, in close proximity to the internal carotid artery at the carotid siphon and the optic nerve at the orbital apex. Its location made the surgery particularly challenging, with potential risks including severe bleeding, stroke and loss of vision.
From uncertainty to a successful outcome
The patient, Sanjay Kumar, son of Ranjit and Sandhya, had undergone consultations elsewhere before being referred to A J Hospital. The previous consultations had left the family anxious and uncertain about the available treatment options.
At A J Hospital, Dr Ajay Kumar carefully reviewed the patient's scans and medical reports and spent considerable time explaining the condition and the proposed surgical plan to the family in simple terms.
Recognising the complexity of the case, a multidisciplinary team was brought together to plan and execute the procedure.
The team performed a Modified Maxillary Swing procedure, a technically demanding surgical approach that provides wide access to the skull base. Following meticulous microsurgical dissection, the tumour was successfully separated from the carotid artery and optic nerve, while preserving the patient's vision and neurological functions.
A team-based approach
Speaking about the successful procedure, Dr Ajay Kumar, consultant surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon, said, “This case highlights an important principle of modern oncology—that complex surgical care is never the effort of a single individual. The close coordination between surgical oncology, ENT, plastic surgery, anaesthesia and critical care was crucial in safely managing this challenging tumour. Our primary goal was to achieve complete tumour removal while protecting the child's vision and neurological function. The successful outcome is a result of the entire team's expertise and the trust placed in us by Sanjay's family.”
Mother expresses gratitude
Sanjay's mother, Sandhya, expressed her gratitude to the medical team. She said, “Dr Ajay Sir explained everything to us clearly and in simple terms, which gave us confidence and hope at a time when we were extremely worried. Under his guidance and leadership, the surgery was successful, and we will always be grateful to the entire team at A J Hospital for their care, support and dedication.”
Sanjay was admitted to AJ Hospital on a Monday and underwent surgery the following Tuesday. Following the procedure, he was shifted to the ICU for close monitoring. He is currently recovering well, with his vision and neurological functions preserved.
The successful management of this rare and technically challenging skull base tumour highlights the importance of multidisciplinary expertise, advanced surgical planning and coordinated patient care.
A J Hospital & Research Centre continues to strengthen its commitment to providing advanced, specialised and patient-centred healthcare, enabling patients from across coastal Karnataka and neighbouring regions to access complex treatments closer to home.
About A J Hospital & Research Centre
A J Hospital & Research Centre, Mangaluru, is a tertiary care hospital providing comprehensive medical and surgical services across multiple specialties. With a focus on advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise and patient-centred care, the hospital caters to patients from Karnataka, Kerala and neighbouring regions.