Bhubaneswar: In a landmark achievement for neurosurgery in Eastern India, doctors at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar have successfully performed the region’s first surgery utilizing advanced cortical and subcortical brain mapping techniques. This pioneering procedure offers renewed hope to patients grappling with complex brain tumors situated in close proximity to critical brain regions.
The intricate surgery was recently conducted by Dr. Srikant Kumar Swain, Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at IMS and SUM Hospital. The patient, a young adult, presented with a tumor precariously located near the brain’s speech and motor control areas.
“Mapping techniques were meticulously employed during the procedure to accurately identify and preserve key functional areas, thereby ensuring safe and effective tumor removal,” stated Dr. Swain at a press conference held today (Tuesday, July 22, 2025).
The successful execution of this complex procedure was a testament to the collaborative effort of a multidisciplinary team spearheaded by Dr. Swain. Key members included Dr. Srimanta Pattnaik, Consultant Neurologist, and Dr. Debi Prasad Mohapatra, Consultant, Neuro-Anesthesia, whose expertise was crucial for intraoperative neurological testing.
Elaborating on the significance of the procedure, Dr. Swain explained, “Cortical and subcortical brain mapping allows us to protect vital brain functions while safely removing high-risk tumors located in eloquent areas.” By employing direct brain stimulation and advanced monitoring throughout the surgery, the team was able to precisely distinguish and avoid critical brain regions responsible for movement and language. The patient is currently recovering well and has retained all essential neurological functions, now undergoing radiotherapy as per the histopathological report.
Eminent neurosurgeon Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, former Vice-Chancellor of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) and currently the university’s Principal Advisor (Health Sciences), expressed immense satisfaction over the successful surgery. Prof. Mahapatra, a recipient of the Padma Shri this year, lauded the achievement, stating, “Cortical and subcortical brain mapping is a highly advanced neurosurgical technique, and its successful implementation here proves the growing excellence of neurosurgical care in our state and specifically at IMS and SUM Hospital.”
Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, highlighted the immense significance of this surgery, marking a substantial milestone in functional neurosurgery for Eastern India. He emphasized that this advancement enables the hospital to perform complex surgeries for which patients previously had to seek treatment in major cities outside the state.
Prof. Samantasinghar proudly announced that IMS and SUM Hospital has emerged as a leading regional center for advanced functional neurosurgical care. This includes the comprehensive treatment of brain tumors, epilepsy, and movement disorders, all facilitated by the hospital’s embrace of modern brain mapping techniques.
Also present at the press conference were Prof. (Dr.) Soubhagya Panigrahi, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Srimanta Pattanaik, Associate Professor of the Neurology Department. This pioneering surgery underscores IMS and SUM Hospital’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and providing world-class neurosurgical care within the region.