Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a landmark medical achievement, Manipal Hospital Goa has successfully saved the life of a 50-year-old woman, Kriti (name changed), who was suffering from a rare and life-threatening brain abscess that had ruptured into the brain’s ventricular system—a condition that is often fatal.
Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the hospital’s expert multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. Parul Dubey (Consultant Neurologist) and Dr. Omkar Churi (Consultant Neurosurgeon), a novel neurosurgical approach was employed. The team used an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) not just to relieve intracranial pressure but also to deliver targeted antibiotics directly into the brain, a rare and advanced method in neurocritical care.
Kriti was admitted to the hospital in a highly critical condition. She presented with a high fever, intense headache, rapidly declining consciousness, and weakness in her right limbs. Under the supervision of Dr. Parul Dubey, she was placed on ventilator support as her neurological condition worsened. Imaging studies revealed a deep-seated abscess on the left side of the brain, which had ruptured into the ventricles—the brain’s fluid-filled chambers—making traditional surgery too dangerous.
At this critical point, Dr. Omkar Churi led the surgical team in adopting an unconventional yet precise strategy. Instead of attempting to remove the abscess through open surgery, the team inserted an External Ventricular Drain directly into the brain’s ventricles. This allowed them to administer antibiotics directly at the site of infection and perform daily saline washes to flush out the pus, all while maintaining strict aseptic protocols to avoid further complications. The treatment was supported by a four-week course of intravenous antibiotics.
“This was a high-risk case,” explained Dr. Churi. “We re-engineered the use of the EVD—typically used for pressure relief—to act as a precision-guided antibiotic delivery system. This innovation helped us gain control over a critical infection and ultimately save a life.”
The intervention yielded remarkable results. Follow-up MRI scans showed significant reduction in brain swelling and near-complete resolution of the abscess. Kriti made a full neurological recovery and was discharged, resuming her daily activities shortly thereafter.
Dr. Parul Dubey reflected on the case: “A ruptured brain abscess is one of the gravest neurological emergencies. Survival chances drop dramatically, but in this instance, rapid diagnosis, decisive action, and seamless teamwork** made all the difference. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Also part of the core team were Dr. Milind Naik, Intensivist, and Dr. Marzook, Microbiologist, whose roles were pivotal in executing the aggressive yet precise treatment protocol.
Brain abscesses are rare, but when they rupture into the ventricles, the prognosis becomes grim due to the heightened risk of sepsis and increased intracranial pressure. They often originate from infections in the lungs, skin, or other organs and travel to the brain through the bloodstream.
This case is a shining example of Manipal Hospital Goa’s advanced neurocritical capabilities, highlighting its preparedness to handle complex, life-threatening emergencies with innovation, precision, and a deep commitment to patient care.
