The Neurosurgery department at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, has been significantly enhanced with the recent upgrade of its operating facilities at the Parel campus.
This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to establish the Advanced Centre of Neurosurgical Oncology (ACNO), a pioneering facility aimed at providing top-notch treatment for complex brain and spine tumors at an affordable cost to the people of India.
The upgrade, funded by a generous grant of INR 10 crores from UBS, includes cutting-edge equipment such as a high-end neurosurgical robotic microscope, an advanced ultrasound-based intra-operative imaging system, a surgical aspirator device, a specialised minimally invasive surgery (endoscopic) setup, and a variety of micro-instruments and related tools.
To celebrate this partnership, an event was held at Tata Memorial Hospital on September 23, 2024. Key attendees included Dr. Shailesh Shrikhande, Deputy Director of Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr. Aliasgar Moiyadi, Chief of Neurosurgery at TMC; Mickey Doshi, Country Head for UBS in India; Matthias Schacke, Head of India Service Company and GOTO India at UBS; along with other hospital and departmental staff.
Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of TMC, highlighted the institute’s foundational principles of service, education, and research. He emphasized TMC’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art treatment and services at minimal costs to the Indian population, further reinforced by the establishment of various centers across the country under a hub-and-spoke model. He expressed gratitude to UBS for their generous support, which strengthens TMC’s mission to deliver advanced cancer care to all.
Mickey Doshi remarked, “At UBS, we aim to improve lives through measurable and long-term solutions. I am proud of our partnership with Tata Memorial Centre to bring advanced medical technology to India while increasing access to affordable cancer care for everyone.”
Dr. Moiyadi noted that these advanced tools will greatly benefit the large number of brain tumor patients treated at the center, many of whom currently face challenges in accessing state-of-the-art care at subsidized rates elsewhere in the country.
Dr. Shrikhande, who is also leading the state-of-the-art Platinum Jubilee Block (PJB) project, emphasized the importance of integrating advanced yet cost-efficient technology in the operating room to enhance patient outcomes without imposing financial burdens on the institute.
Meanwhile, in a significant advancement for breast cancer treatment, ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer) has introduced a new method of whole breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Senior Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Amar Deshpande, alongside Dr. Dileep Hoysal and their team, performed the first whole breast reconstruction using Biological Mesh, known as Braxon, at ACTREC on 10th September, 2024.
This innovative procedure, the first of its kind in Western India, is simpler, quicker, and offers faster recovery, taking only 2-3 hours and reducing recovery time to approximately 3-4 weeks.
Dr. Deshpande noted, “This method is less painful and eliminates the risks associated with donor site complications found in traditional techniques. The results are comparable, and the costs are similar to traditional reconstructive procedures.”
Dr. Shalaka Joshi, Professor of Breast Surgery at TMH, emphasized that many suitable patients at TMH and ACTREC will benefit from this new approach alongside traditional methods. Dr. Rajendra Badwe, Professor Emeritus and Senior Breast Surgeon, added, “The complete removal of a breast can be disheartening for any woman. This new procedure will restore dignity and femininity, offering hope to those undergoing breast cancer treatment.”
ACTREC, the treatment and research wing of Tata Memorial Centre, treats around 5,000 breast cancer cases annually and is at the forefront of modern surgical techniques that prioritize both cancer clearance and aesthetic outcomes. Historically, the unit has performed whole breast reconstructions using patients' tissues, but now they are pioneering the use of Biological Mesh as a cover for silicone implants, similar to practices in Western countries.
While many patients can undergo lumpectomy, some require full breast removal, leading to the need for reconstruction. Traditional methods utilize tissue from other parts of the patient’s body, which can result in complications such as pain, infection, and prolonged recovery times of 6-8 weeks.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in India, with approximately 1,78,000 new cases diagnosed each year, often requiring surgical intervention.
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