The patient was facing three life-threatening brain conditions at the same time: two large tumors and a major subdural hematoma (brain bleed) on opposite sides of the brain

Brain tumors occur in around 4 in 1 lakh people, and less than 1% of these cases involve bilateral brain tumors, with the presence of an associated subdural hematoma being even rarer

Each condition on its own carries a high risk of brain swelling, permanent damage, seizures, paralysis, or even death, and requires a separate surgery. All three conditions were managed through meticulous planning, real-time surgical decisions, and extreme precision

In a powerful example of advanced neurosurgical care and timely decision-making, a 54-year-old woman has made a strong recovery after undergoing an extremely complex brain surgery at NewEra Hospital, Navi Mumbai. What was initially diagnosed and referred to as a single large brain tumor, revealed a subdural hematoma (brain bleed) and a brain tumor on the opposite side of the brain also turning the case into a rare and high-risk neurosurgical emergency.

The patient underwent two extremely high-risk brain surgeries, emergency evacuation of a massive subdural hematoma and excision of two large brain tumors, both successfully performed in a single operative sitting by Dr. Sunil Kutty, Consultant Neurosurgeon, NewEra Hospital, and his team. This rare, one-go surgical approach marked a significant milestone in managing complicated neurological emergencies. The patient, who was brought into the hospital barely able to stand, walked out stable, alert, and independent due to timely intervention and expert care.

 54-year-old Patient Mrs Suman Pokhare, a resident of KoperKhairane, Navi Mumbai, presented with worsening weakness, imbalance while walking for 15 days, and difficulty in daily activities. Brain imaging showed a large subacute subdural hematoma on one side, severe enough to compress the brain and demand urgent surgery. On the opposite side, a large brain tumor nearly the size of a golf ball was also seen, which independently required surgical removal.

With her condition worsening and uncertainty ahead, she arrived seeking hope. Each moment mattered, as the skilled team of doctors prepared to fight not just for recovery but for her life. Following admission, primary treatment was initiated in the Emergency Room, after which she was shifted to the ICU. She was started on intravenous antibiotics, antiepileptic medications, and supportive care. Considering the seriousness of the condition and the pressure effect on the brain, surgical intervention was planned the very next morning.

Dr Sunil Kutty, a leading Neurosurgeon (Brain & Spine) at NewEra Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai  said, “On 12 November 2025, the patient underwent craniotomy, a highly delicate brain surgery where a small portion of the skull is carefully opened to access the brain and treat life-threatening conditions such as bleeding or tumors, and then securely placed back to allow safe healing. What was planned as surgery for a dangerous subdural brain bleed soon turned into an intense and defining moment in the operating room. As we evacuated the clot, we encountered a hidden tumor infiltrating the brain’s protective covering and compressing the brain, something that was suspected and discussed with the patient and relatives, but had not been clearly visible on scans because the blood clot mwas asking for it. This made the case exceptionally rare. In routine practice, we usually deal with one major brain pathology at a time. Here, the patient had three serious conditions simultaneously: two large brain tumors and a large subdural hematoma on opposite sides of the brain. Each of these alone carries high risks such as brain swelling, permanent neurological damage, seizures, paralysis, or even death, and would normally require separate surgeries. Managing all three together demanded meticulous planning, constant decision-making during surgery, and extreme precision.

Dr Sunil Kutty further added, “ Most brain surgeries are done on one side of the brain to remove pathologies. We do operate on both sides, and that happens usually for bilateral subdural hematomas, but dealing with 2 tumors and an associated subdural hematoma is extremely rare. Brain tumors occur in around 4 in 1 lakh people, and less than 1% of these brain tumors have bilateral brain tumors, and having an associated subdural hematoma is even rarer. The patient underwent two extremely high-risk brain surgeries: emergency evacuation of a massive subdural hematoma and excision of two large brain tumors, both successfully performed in a single operative sitting that lasted 5 hours, removing two brain tumors measuring approximately 4.5 cm and 2 cm in diameter, along with their attachments, as well as complete evacuation of the large subdural clot. Successfully addressing all three threats at once helped avoid multiple high-risk surgeries, reduced the risk of complications, shortened recovery time, and ultimately saved the patient’s life. What began as a moment of deep uncertainty ended in survival, recovery, and renewed hope.”

With continuous medical care and physiotherapy support, the patient showed steady improvement. “On 13 November 2025, she was shifted from the ICU to the room. Over the following days, her recovery progressed smoothly; she remained stable, experienced no pain at the surgical site, showed no neurological deficits, and was able to move all four limbs independently. Postoperative scans showed complete excision of the tumor and evacuation of the subdural hematoma. She gradually regained confidence in walking and was discharged on day 3 of the surgery.On follow-up in December, the patient was doing well, with steady recovery and no new neurological concerns. 

Such positive outcomes underline the critical importance of timely intervention, accurate diagnosis, advanced imaging, and a well-coordinated multidisciplinary approach in managing complex neurosurgical emergencies,” said Dr Sunil Kutty.”

“I was terrified when I was told that there was not just a brain bleed, but two tumors as well. I could barely walk and feared the worst. Dr Sunil Kutty and his team explained everything to me with patience and gave me the courage to face the surgery. Every day after the operation. Now, I am walking, alert, and going home with hope in my heart. I truly feel I have been given a second chance at life,” concluded the elated patient, Mrs Suman Pokhare.

Dr. Mataprasad B Gupta, Vice President & CEO said, “NewEra Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, advanced imaging, and highly trained teams to handle even the most complex neurological emergencies. In critical moments, quick diagnosis, precise imaging, and seamless coordination make all the difference between life and loss. Our focus is always on acting fast, treating accurately, and giving patients the best possible chance at recovery. Saving lives in the most challenging situations is not just our expertise, it is our commitment.”