Goa, June XXX, 2025: Manipal Hospital Goa has successfully saved the life of a 50-year-old woman Kriti (name changed) suffering from a severe brain abscess that had ruptured into the brain’s ventricular system—an often fatal condition. The hospital’s expert multidisciplinary team including Dr. Parul Dubey, Consultant Neurologist, and Dr. Omkar Churi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Manipal Hospital Goa underwent a rare neurosurgical approach involving the use of an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) to deliver antibiotics directly into the brain. This marks a milestone in advanced neurocritical care in the region.
Kriti arrived at Manipal Hospital in critical condition, exhibiting high fever, severe headache, rapidly deteriorating consciousness, and weakness in her right limbs. She was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Parul Dubey, Consultant – Neurologist, and was placed on ventilator support due to worsening neurological function. An MRI revealed a deep-seated abscess on the left side of the brain, which had already ruptured into the ventricles—the fluid-filled cavities within the brain. At this critical juncture, Dr. Omkar Churi, Consultant- Neurosurgeon, stepped in to lead the surgical intervention. Given the depth of the abscess and the rupture, traditional surgical removal was deemed too risky. The medical team, which also included Dr. Milind Naik, Intensivist, Manipal Hospital Goa, and Dr. Marzook, Microbiologist, Manipal Hospital Goa, collaboratively decided to employ a highly specialised treatment protocol rarely used in such cases.
On this landmark, Dr. Omkar Churi said, “In this high-risk case, we repurposed the External Ventricular Drain not just to relieve pressure, but as a precision delivery system to administer antibiotics directly into the brain and safely wash out the infection. This innovative use of a standard neurosurgical tool helped us control a life-threatening situation and save the patient’s life.”
The EVD was carefully inserted into the ventricles, and for two weeks, antibiotics were administered directly into the brain along with daily saline washes to remove the pus. Strict aseptic protocols were followed to prevent further infection. This was supported by a four-week course of intravenous antibiotics.
The treatment yielded remarkable results. Follow-up MRIs showed excellent resolution of the abscess and brain swelling. The patient made a complete neurological recovery and was able to resume her daily activities shortly after discharge.
Dr. Parul Dubey, stated, “A brain abscess that ruptures into the ventricles is among the most critical neurological emergencies, with survival rates drastically reduced. In such moments, timely diagnosis, swift decision-making, and coordinated action by a skilled multidisciplinary team are crucial. This case truly highlights the power of collaborative, patient-focused care in achieving extraordinary outcomes.”
Brain abscesses are rare but life-threatening infections that can spread from the lungs, skin, or other organs via the bloodstream. When ruptured into the ventricles, they carry an exceptionally high risk of mortality. This case stands as a testament to Manipal Hospital Goa’s capability in handling complex neurological emergencies with precision, innovation, and compassion.
