New York, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American Army surgeon Major Jagatkumar Patel has helped develop an innovative minimally invasive surgical technique that enables the removal of certain brain tumours through the nasal passage, eliminating the need to open the skull and significantly reducing patient recovery time.
According to the Pentagon, Major Patel and Army neurosurgeon Lt. Col. Charles Miller developed the procedure for treating tumours located at the base of the skull when their size and position make the approach medically suitable.
Explaining the advancement, Patel said traditional treatment for such tumours often required open skull surgery, making recovery more difficult for patients. He noted that for appropriately located tumours, accessing them through the nose offers improved surgical access and a greater possibility of complete removal while avoiding invasive cranial procedures.
The technique was recently used successfully on Marine Staff Sergeant Andy Archer, who had endured severe headaches for 15 years before developing vision problems. An MRI scan revealed a brain tumour measuring about 4.4 centimetres near the pituitary gland that was pressing against the optic nerve.
Archer underwent surgery at the Walter Reed Army National Medical Center in Bethesda, where Patel designed the surgical pathway through the nasal cavity. Using an endoscopic camera, Patel provided high-definition visualisation of the tumour, enabling Lt. Col. Miller to safely remove it.
Patel described the procedure as a collaborative effort, crediting Miller’s expertise in tumour removal while highlighting the importance of precise navigation through the nasal anatomy.
The patient showed rapid recovery after the operation, with no visible signs of major brain surgery just two days later. He was able to sit up in intensive care, and his vision had already begun improving.
Patel noted that the minimally invasive technique is suitable only for carefully selected cases, depending on the tumour’s size and location, but said it offers significant benefits for eligible patients.
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