“Ramkhamhaeng Hospital's Brain Tumor Treatment Center combines surgical expertise with advanced medical technologies to ensure safe and effective brain tumor surgery to help patients return to normal life”
3D Microscopy is an important technology for microsurgical brain tumor surgery. With a magnifying power of 39 times, this advanced 3D laparoscopic surgery can provide the surgeon with clear images during the operation. The resulting image is three-dimensional, allowing for the safe removal of tumors located in critical areas surrounded by blood vessels and small nerves, effectively reducing the risk of injury to surrounding small vital organs.
This involves using a tiny camera similar to those used in gallbladder or appendectomy procedures. The resulting image is a high-magnification, 2D image used for certain types of brain tumor surgery, such as pituitary adenoma where this type of endoscope can be inserted through the nostrils, allowing for brain tumor removal without the need for skin incisions or opening the skull. This reduces the risk of injury to the brain tissue and makes surgery for tumors in the base of the skull much safer.
This crucial brain tumor surgery device emits high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves that break down tumor cells into smaller fragments, which are then removed using a small suction device. This process enhances the safety of tumor removal and effectively minimizes damage to brain tissue and surrounding organs.
This is necessary for tumor surgeries as they require a magnifying camera to obtain clear and magnified images. As a result, the surgical equipment used needs to be much smaller to ensure millimeter-level resolution during the surgery.
This navigation device is used to accurately locate brain tumors and vital organs in the surgical area, helping to ensure precise surgical intervention and reducing the risk of complications resulting from incorrect positioning during surgery.
The advanced MRI technology, includes DTI fiber tracking. This technology is capable of locating important nerve fibers in the brain about the tumor. Since some brain tumors can infiltrate the nerve fibers, their removal can cause disability. Hence, this technology assists physicians in devising a plan to extract as much of the tumor as feasible while preserving brain function.
It also decreases the possibility of post-surgery disabilities. Another important MRI technology is MRI spectroscopy, which is useful in distinguishing areas suspected of having tumors, sepsis, or post-radiation conditions, consequently enhancing effective planning of accurate treatment options.
During brain tumor surgery, intraoperative monitoring devices are used to monitor the patient's neurological activity while the patient is unconscious or awake. These devices use neurophysiological techniques to measure the electrical response of the nervous system. This monitoring helps to evaluate neurological function and minimize the risk of nervous system injury during surgery. Currently, this is considered a crucial standard in brain tumor surgery.
Once the tumor is extracted, cytology is performed in all cases to determine the type of tumor and various proteins present in tumors, even if they are of the same type based on cytology. This enables the doctor to accurately predict the prognosis of the disease. Additionally, after the tumor type is identified, some patients may require radiation or chemotherapy as a part of their brain tumor treatment.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
After about 3-4 days of headaches
"I saw a doctor who thought it was early-stage migraines. They gave me medication and an injection, but it didn't help. The doctor then requested a scan, and the results showed nothing. The next day, I couldn't eat or do anything, so my husband rushed me back to the hospital."
"The doctor re-examined the CT scan and immediately saw something, so I was admitted. The doctor informed me late that night that it might be a tumor, specifically on my pituitary gland. I asked about treatment, and the doctor said the easiest way was endoscopic surgery to avoid opening the brain. Once removed, that was it. I'm living a normal life now. I used to get sick easily, but I haven't been sick since the surgery."
Pituitary Tumor Patient
"I was exercising as usual, then after a while, I started staggering and feeling like the room was spinning."
I didn't think much of it for a day or two. Then, when I slept, I had the same spinning sensation, like someone with an inner ear imbalance. I couldn't open my eyes; everything just spun.
So I called 1669 and asked to go to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, thinking it best to get admitted and thoroughly checked. I saw Dr. Puripun, who checked my eye and ear nerves. An MRI finally revealed a tumor. The doctor advised urgent surgery, so I decided to proceed immediately.
Talking with the doctor, I wasn't worried about the surgery's outcome, whether I'd live or die; I was indifferent, just ready to fight. I wanted to get better, so I decided on the surgery. Now, I'm completely normal; I can walk and move around typically. Overall, I've improved.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
Ms. Wannarat, the daughter, shares her story:
"Initially, my mother complained of eye pain and vision loss. We thought it was just age-related poor eyesight. After two or three months, her symptoms worsened, so we decided to take her to an eye doctor first."
The eye doctor conducted a thorough examination and ultimately concluded that her eyes were fine, suspecting a tumor pressing on the optic nerve. The doctor immediately sent her for an MRI with contrast. The results confirmed it was a pituitary tumor.
The doctor recommended seeing Dr. Nophasin. Luckily, Dr. Nophasin was on duty that day. He explained everything, assuring us it wasn't dangerous and that it would be endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity, with Dr. Puripun creating the access.
After the surgery, the doctors invited us to the ICU to check on my mother. We were amazed; it was hard to believe she had just undergone brain surgery because she was fully aware of everything. Many thanks to Dr. Nophasin and Dr. Puripun.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
Over 7-8 months, I started experiencing nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, initially thinking it was allergies.
It began with congestion in one nostril, then both, until I couldn't breathe through my nose at all. A mass then became visible in my nose, forcing me to breathe through my mouth constantly. Despite ongoing treatment, my condition worsened. One day, I had a severe nosebleed from my right nostril (since the left was blocked) that also flowed down my throat all day without stopping.
I went to a provincial hospital where I had social security coverage. The doctor examined me and referred me to a hospital in Bangkok to biopsy the nasal mass. The results showed it was cancer that had spread to my brain, making surgery impossible there. I was then transferred to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, as they had the necessary medical team and equipment. The doctor told me my tumor was very large and would require a long surgery. I was scared.
I was afraid to sleep, fearing I wouldn't be able to breathe. I even asked a nurse to hold my hand and stay until I fell asleep before leaving.
"My right eye was blurry, I couldn't see well, and I had a sharp, throbbing pain that radiated to my right temple, sometimes making tears stream down my face."
Ms. Kunlapat, daughter of Mr. Wang Techo, shared her mother's story:
"My mother was already taking medication for blood pressure, but about 1-2 weeks before the surgery, she developed severe headaches. The pain was so intense she couldn't sleep. Her children realized they couldn't ignore it, so they took her to a hospital where an MRI revealed a tumor. We searched online for a reputable hospital for brain tumor treatment and found Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. We chose to go there and met Dr. Naphason Thakekindej. After another MRI scan, the doctor confirmed a 2.5 cm tumor behind her right eye, in the space between the brain, which was operable. My mother was apprehensive, fearing she wouldn't recover, essentially afraid of dying. The doctor reassured her, stating he had handled more challenging cases and to not worry. My mother recovered at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital for a week. After a follow-up MRI scan, the doctor reviewed the results and told us to return in two years. We were very impressed with the doctor; he even called us at midnight after the surgery to let us know she was safe and the surgery was successful. He knew we were worried, especially since my mother was afraid she wouldn't wake up, which made us, her children, worried too. Brain surgery is inherently frightening for everyone. But the doctor told us not to worry, and we definitely made the right choice in finding Dr. Naphason. Additionally, we've been taking my mother to Dr. Panadda for her diabetes, blood pressure, and enlarged heart, who manages all her conditions. We bring her for check-ups every 2-3 months."
Former Brain Tumor Patient
"I had no headaches, but displayed severe depression-like symptoms; I preferred to be alone, only slept, and neglected my appearance."
Starting around September 2019, I would just sleep, refusing to speak or interact with anyone, and stopped teaching. I also experienced dizziness and neglected work. My mother suggested I get checked at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. We called to consult with a nurse, describing symptoms that, from our research, resembled depression. We brought him to a psychiatrist, even though he had no headaches. For about a month, starting in December, he came weekly but didn't improve. He started losing bladder and bowel control, suggesting a brain issue, as the brain controls everything. So, that day, he had to undergo an MRI, waiting four hours to ensure he was ready. The doctor informed us it was extensive, with tumors all around.
The doctor told us to prepare for a 10-hour surgery. We agreed, and the surgery began. Afterward, he was disoriented and agitated, trying to pull at his stitches and tubes, so we had to constantly monitor him. Gradually, he improved, recognizing people and remembering everything. Each time he saw the doctor, they would check his brain function by having him do simple math. He continued to improve, able to recall and do calculations. The doctor explained that after the surgery, the brain tissue where the tumor was removed needed time to recover from the compression it had endured.
Former Brain Tumor Patient
"After 4 hours of surgery, I woke up completely normal, a stark difference from before."
My mother's behavior had drastically changed: she slept all day, responded slowly to questions, couldn't think clearly, and forgot her birth year and date. She would just lie in bed, refusing food and baths. I grew very concerned and took her to the hospital.
During her appointment, the doctor asked about her symptoms and then ordered an MRI with contrast. The results showed a brain tumor. She had to be admitted that day and undergo surgery the next because her brain was severely swollen.
Four hours after the surgery, she regained consciousness. Her children gathered around her bed, asking if she remembered them. They were worried she wouldn't recognize anyone or anything. But she remembered everyone and everything, communicating clearly and fluently. We were all overjoyed, crying tears of happiness that she was back to her old self.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
After about 3-4 days of headaches
"I saw a doctor who thought it was early-stage migraines. They gave me medication and an injection, but it didn't help. The doctor then requested a scan, and the results showed nothing. The next day, I couldn't eat or do anything, so my husband rushed me back to the hospital."
"The doctor re-examined the CT scan and immediately saw something, so I was admitted. The doctor informed me late that night that it might be a tumor, specifically on my pituitary gland. I asked about treatment, and the doctor said the easiest way was endoscopic surgery to avoid opening the brain. Once removed, that was it. I'm living a normal life now. I used to get sick easily, but I haven't been sick since the surgery."
Pituitary Tumor Patient
"I was exercising as usual, then after a while, I started staggering and feeling like the room was spinning."
I didn't think much of it for a day or two. Then, when I slept, I had the same spinning sensation, like someone with an inner ear imbalance. I couldn't open my eyes; everything just spun.
So I called 1669 and asked to go to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, thinking it best to get admitted and thoroughly checked. I saw Dr. Puripun, who checked my eye and ear nerves. An MRI finally revealed a tumor. The doctor advised urgent surgery, so I decided to proceed immediately.
Talking with the doctor, I wasn't worried about the surgery's outcome, whether I'd live or die; I was indifferent, just ready to fight. I wanted to get better, so I decided on the surgery. Now, I'm completely normal; I can walk and move around typically. Overall, I've improved.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
Ms. Wannarat, the daughter, shares her story:
"Initially, my mother complained of eye pain and vision loss. We thought it was just age-related poor eyesight. After two or three months, her symptoms worsened, so we decided to take her to an eye doctor first."
The eye doctor conducted a thorough examination and ultimately concluded that her eyes were fine, suspecting a tumor pressing on the optic nerve. The doctor immediately sent her for an MRI with contrast. The results confirmed it was a pituitary tumor.
The doctor recommended seeing Dr. Nophasin. Luckily, Dr. Nophasin was on duty that day. He explained everything, assuring us it wasn't dangerous and that it would be endoscopic surgery through the nasal cavity, with Dr. Puripun creating the access.
After the surgery, the doctors invited us to the ICU to check on my mother. We were amazed; it was hard to believe she had just undergone brain surgery because she was fully aware of everything. Many thanks to Dr. Nophasin and Dr. Puripun.
Pituitary Tumor Patient
Over 7-8 months, I started experiencing nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, initially thinking it was allergies.
It began with congestion in one nostril, then both, until I couldn't breathe through my nose at all. A mass then became visible in my nose, forcing me to breathe through my mouth constantly. Despite ongoing treatment, my condition worsened. One day, I had a severe nosebleed from my right nostril (since the left was blocked) that also flowed down my throat all day without stopping.
I went to a provincial hospital where I had social security coverage. The doctor examined me and referred me to a hospital in Bangkok to biopsy the nasal mass. The results showed it was cancer that had spread to my brain, making surgery impossible there. I was then transferred to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, as they had the necessary medical team and equipment. The doctor told me my tumor was very large and would require a long surgery. I was scared.
I was afraid to sleep, fearing I wouldn't be able to breathe. I even asked a nurse to hold my hand and stay until I fell asleep before leaving.
"My right eye was blurry, I couldn't see well, and I had a sharp, throbbing pain that radiated to my right temple, sometimes making tears stream down my face."
Ms. Kunlapat, daughter of Mr. Wang Techo, shared her mother's story:
"My mother was already taking medication for blood pressure, but about 1-2 weeks before the surgery, she developed severe headaches. The pain was so intense she couldn't sleep. Her children realized they couldn't ignore it, so they took her to a hospital where an MRI revealed a tumor. We searched online for a reputable hospital for brain tumor treatment and found Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. We chose to go there and met Dr. Naphason Thakekindej. After another MRI scan, the doctor confirmed a 2.5 cm tumor behind her right eye, in the space between the brain, which was operable. My mother was apprehensive, fearing she wouldn't recover, essentially afraid of dying. The doctor reassured her, stating he had handled more challenging cases and to not worry. My mother recovered at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital for a week. After a follow-up MRI scan, the doctor reviewed the results and told us to return in two years. We were very impressed with the doctor; he even called us at midnight after the surgery to let us know she was safe and the surgery was successful. He knew we were worried, especially since my mother was afraid she wouldn't wake up, which made us, her children, worried too. Brain surgery is inherently frightening for everyone. But the doctor told us not to worry, and we definitely made the right choice in finding Dr. Naphason. Additionally, we've been taking my mother to Dr. Panadda for her diabetes, blood pressure, and enlarged heart, who manages all her conditions. We bring her for check-ups every 2-3 months."
Former Brain Tumor Patient
"I had no headaches, but displayed severe depression-like symptoms; I preferred to be alone, only slept, and neglected my appearance."
Starting around September 2019, I would just sleep, refusing to speak or interact with anyone, and stopped teaching. I also experienced dizziness and neglected work. My mother suggested I get checked at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. We called to consult with a nurse, describing symptoms that, from our research, resembled depression. We brought him to a psychiatrist, even though he had no headaches. For about a month, starting in December, he came weekly but didn't improve. He started losing bladder and bowel control, suggesting a brain issue, as the brain controls everything. So, that day, he had to undergo an MRI, waiting four hours to ensure he was ready. The doctor informed us it was extensive, with tumors all around.
The doctor told us to prepare for a 10-hour surgery. We agreed, and the surgery began. Afterward, he was disoriented and agitated, trying to pull at his stitches and tubes, so we had to constantly monitor him. Gradually, he improved, recognizing people and remembering everything. Each time he saw the doctor, they would check his brain function by having him do simple math. He continued to improve, able to recall and do calculations. The doctor explained that after the surgery, the brain tissue where the tumor was removed needed time to recover from the compression it had endured.
Former Brain Tumor Patient
"After 4 hours of surgery, I woke up completely normal, a stark difference from before."
My mother's behavior had drastically changed: she slept all day, responded slowly to questions, couldn't think clearly, and forgot her birth year and date. She would just lie in bed, refusing food and baths. I grew very concerned and took her to the hospital.
During her appointment, the doctor asked about her symptoms and then ordered an MRI with contrast. The results showed a brain tumor. She had to be admitted that day and undergo surgery the next because her brain was severely swollen.
Four hours after the surgery, she regained consciousness. Her children gathered around her bed, asking if she remembered them. They were worried she wouldn't recognize anyone or anything. But she remembered everyone and everything, communicating clearly and fluently. We were all overjoyed, crying tears of happiness that she was back to her old self.
