A major neurosurgical milestone was achieved at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant with the successful removal of a brainstem tumor—also known as “Atma Ghar”—after several decades. Such a surgery was last performed at IGH in 1991–92.
Ms. Jasmani Bara, in her 50s, arrived at IGH on 30th June 2025 from Dudukabahal village, in Rajgangpur Block of Sundergarh District, with a locally conducted CT scan report, complaining of regular severe headache during which she used to experience vomiting, vision blackout or deterioration, loss of appetite, and instability while walking.. Based on clinical evaluation and doctor’s advice she got admitted in IGH on 3rd July. Soon an MRI was conducted on 4th July confirming the presence of a tumor in the brainstem.
Taking all necessary precautions and with a satisfactory preoperative assessment, the patient underwent surgery on 8th July. The seven-hour-long complex surgical procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Manoj Kumar Deo, Senior Consultant (M&HS). It resulted in complete removal of the tumor. Dr. Sanjukta Panigrahi, Additional CMO, and Dr. Smita Kujur, Senior Consultant, administered anesthesia. The surgical team received dedicated support from Nursing Staff Brother Kamlakar and Sister Godhuli in the operation theatre.
Remarkably, the patient responded well to the procedure. She was extubated and removed from the ventilator on the same day. Post-operative care in the ward is being provided by Sister Gauri, Sr. Sasmita, Sister Rinky, Sister Priyanka and others. The patient has shown significant symptomatic improvement in her presenting complaints. She is now accepting oral feeds adequately and is able to walk around on her own without assistance. Given her current condition, discharge is expected within the next 3–4 days.
This reiterates the capability of IGH to handle highly critical and complex medical cases. Over the years, IGH has been serving not only the employees but also the people of the region by providing advanced care in diverse areas such as critical orthopedic surgeries, management of snake bites, ENT procedures (including removal of nasal or oral foreign bodies in children), and much more.
