Doctors at the National Center for Neurosurgery in Astana successfully performed one of the most complex surgeries — removal of a giant brain tumor in a three-month-old baby girl.
According to the baby’s mother, Aibat, her daughter was born full-term and was developing normally. However, at two months old, alarming symptoms began to appear: frequent vomiting, refusal to breastfeed, cyanosis, and extreme restlessness.
The parents immediately consulted a pediatrician, followed by a neurologist. An initial ultrasound revealed a fluid-filled mass in the parieto-occipital region. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the presence of a large mass in the left parietal lobe.
An MRI later revealed a 5.6×4.2 cm tumor located in functionally significant areas of the brain.
After consulting with pediatric neurosurgeons Dmitry Surdin, Alibek Zharasov, and Deputy Chairman Asylbek Kaliyev, it was decided that urgent surgical intervention was necessary. The child was hospitalized in the pediatric neurosurgery department.
As noted by Professor Gabit Olenbai, Head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, the operation was extremely complex: the tumor occupied nearly half of the infant’s brain, and the risk of blood loss was very high.
Nevertheless, thanks to coordinated teamwork, modern surgical techniques, and the advanced equipment available at the Center, the surgery was a success.
“We removed the tumor using microsurgical methods. The girl is now undergoing postoperative treatment and already feeling better. Vomiting has stopped, and her overall condition has significantly improved,” said Professor Olenbai.
The baby’s mother could hardly hold back her emotions:
“I was prepared for anything, I understood the risks. But a miracle happened — my daughter is alive and well. I am deeply grateful to the doctors, especially Dr. Dmitry Surdin, and the entire medical team. Thank you for saving my daughter!”
Special recognition was given to the anesthesiologists and transfusion specialists, as anesthesia and intraoperative monitoring in such a young patient require the utmost precision and care.
The surgical team included:
- Anesthesiologist-resuscitator: Aigul Zhandeldinova
- Nurse anesthetist: Gulzira Daukenova
- Transfusion specialist: Yerbol Kuanishev
- Operating room nurse: Alua Daukenova
Stay updated through our website: https://ksph.edu.kz and our Telegram channel: Mediclub
