January 20th 2025.
Ruvimbo Kaviya proudly points to a small scar on her face, a reminder of the groundbreaking surgery she underwent to remove a tumour from behind her eyes. It was a feat that had never been achieved before in the UK, and Ruvimbo was the first patient to undergo this cutting-edge procedure.
The tumour, known as a meningioma, was located in a delicate area beneath the brain and behind the eyes. Typically, this type of tumour is considered inoperable due to the high risk involved in removing it. Traditional methods require complex surgery that involves removing a large part of the skull and manipulating the brain to access the tumour. This comes with a high risk of complications, including seizures.
But thanks to the skilled surgeons at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Ruvimbo's tumour was successfully removed using a minimally invasive approach. Through a small incision in her eye socket, the surgeons were able to access and remove the tumour without touching the brain. This was made possible by the use of advanced technology, including 3D models of Ruvimbo's head and cadavers to practice the procedure beforehand.
Ruvimbo is now left with just a tiny scar near her left eye, a small price to pay for the life-changing surgery she received. And she is not alone – other patients in the UK who were told their tumours were inoperable are now finding hope in this revolutionary technique.
Before the surgery, Ruvimbo suffered from excruciating headaches that were becoming increasingly unbearable. But she was willing to take the risk, knowing that this surgery was her only chance for relief. Her consultant neurosurgeon, Asim Sheikh, explained the benefits of the minimally invasive approach, stating that it allows for a quicker and better recovery for patients.
The traditional method of reaching the tumour would have required "pressing on quite a lot of brain," as Mr. Sheikh described it. This can lead to complications such as seizures, making the minimally invasive approach a much safer option. Ruvimbo's surgeon, Jiten Parmar, also played a crucial role in the procedure by devising a technique to cut a small part of the eye socket's outer wall, providing more access for the endoscope.
Thanks to this new technique, the surgeons were able to reach the tumour without causing any damage to the surrounding nerves. This is a significant improvement from the previous method, which often resulted in complications due to the extensive manipulation of the brain. The endoscope, which is only five millimetres in diameter, allowed for precise removal of the tumour without causing any harm.
For Ruvimbo, the decision to undergo this groundbreaking surgery was an easy one. The pain she was experiencing was unbearable, and she knew she had to take this chance, even if it meant being the first patient in the UK to undergo this procedure. Her only thought was to have the tumour removed and find relief from the debilitating headaches.
Now, Ruvimbo is back to her normal life, caring for patients in need of stroke rehabilitation. Although she needed three months off work to recover, it was a small price to pay for the life-changing results. She admits that she struggled with double vision at first, but it quickly resolved itself, and she is now back to her usual self.
Looking at her now, it's hard to tell that she underwent such a groundbreaking surgery. Her scar is barely noticeable, and she is grateful for the skilled surgeons and innovative technology that saved her from a life of pain and discomfort. Ruvimbo's story is a testament to the advancements in medical technology and the brave healthcare professionals who are willing to push the boundaries and give hope to patients who were once told their condition was untreatable.
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