Surgeons at Beaumont Hospital have successfully performed a pioneering transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery, removing a brain tumour through a patient’s eyelid. According to Prof. Mohsen Javadpour, consultant neurosurgeon, this minimally invasive approach reduces trauma to the brain and the chance of complications compared to traditional methods.
How Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Surgery Works
Traditional brain tumour removal, known as a craniotomy, requires surgeons to remove a section of the skull, often involving an incision 15 to 20cm long. In contrast, the procedure performed at Beaumont Hospital utilizes a 2cm incision in the crease of the eye socket.
“You remove a little bit of the orbital bone and you’re in the eye socket,” Prof. Javadpour explained. “The eye socket then is being used as a corridor to access the brain.” By utilizing this corridor, surgeons can reach the tumour; that reduces the trauma to the brain itself and there is less chance of complications relating to surgery. When it heals it’s almost invisible.
This procedure is specifically suited for certain tumour locations. Prof. Javadpour noted that you wouldn’t do it for a tumour farther back.
Patient Recovery and Health System Impact
The patient, 57-year-old Iveta Pompova, sought medical help after experiencing persistent headaches, blurred vision, and a protruding right eyeball. Diagnostics, including an MRI, identified a benign meningioma. Following the procedure in July 2025, Pompova required significantly less recovery time than would be expected with standard surgical interventions.
Prof. Javadpour highlighted that the shift toward minimally invasive techniques offers benefits for the health system. While traditional craniotomy patients might require a hospital stay of 10 to 14 nights, patients undergoing transorbital surgery typically remain hospitalized for only two to three nights. This reduction in bed occupancy could provide a benefit to the health system, particularly given the prevalence of non-cancerous brain tumours.
Why Minimally Invasive Approaches Are Trending
The evolution of neurosurgery is increasingly focused on reducing the “interference” with the brain itself. The Beaumont Hospital case underscores a medical approach: the “less you interfere with the brain itself, the better”.
For patients, the primary advantage is a faster return to daily life. Pompova’s case, managed by a team including ophthalmologist Tim Fulcher, demonstrates that procedures can be achieved with less trauma to the brain itself and less chance of complications. As surgical technology improves, the ability to access tumours through smaller, less invasive entry points remains a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery?
It is a surgical technique where surgeons access the brain through the eye socket using a 2cm incision in the crease of the eye socket, rather than removing a large portion of the skull.
How long is the hospital stay for this surgery?
According to Prof. Javadpour, patients typically stay in the hospital for two to three nights, compared to the 10 to 14 nights required for traditional surgery.
Is this surgery suitable for all brain tumours?
No. Prof. Javadpour stated that you wouldn’t do it for a tumour farther back.
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