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Best Neurosurgeons for Brain Tumor Surgery in Chennai, India

This page lists 4 brain tumor surgery doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 4 brain tumor surgery doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Brain Tumor Surgery doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

Brain Tumor Surgery doctors

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Dr. M Balamurugan

MBBS, DNB in Neurosurgery, FRCS, FAANS – Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Hospital, Chennai Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 30+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai — current role spanning a distinguished tenure in advanced brain and spine surgery.
  • Accumulated over 30 years of clinical neurosurgical practice, managing a high-volume caseload across oncology, cerebrovascular, pediatric, and spinal neurosurgery.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Glioma Surgery
  • Craniotomy
  • Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Pediatric Hydrocephalus Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospital, Chennai
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Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel

Fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery, MCh Neurosurgery (6-Year Integrated), MBBS, Advanced Microvascular Anastomosis Training, Microvascular Anastomosis Training
Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital (RIMC) Chennai, India14+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 14+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Consultant, Neurosurgery — Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre (RIMC), Chennai (2025 – Present)
  • Consultant, Neurosurgery — Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai (2021 – 2025)
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Glioma Surgery
  • Meningioma Surgery
  • Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
  • Pituitary Tumor Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 14+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela Hospital (RIMC)
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Dr. Natesan Damodaran

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery, Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neurosurgical Skills Training (Simulation & Cadaver Dissection), MCh in Neurosurgery, MSc in Psychology, MBBS
Clinical Lead, Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Clinical Lead for Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai.
  • Leading the development of a Level-4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Program integrating pediatric and adult care, advanced presurgical evaluation, and neurorehabilitation.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Epilepsy Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Implant
  • Craniotomy
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Nigel Symss

MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery and Neuro Endoscopy, Fellowship in Spinal and Microneurosurgery, Fellowship in Functional/Micro Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India16+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 16+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery — Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai (current)
  • Neurosurgery Consultant — Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Epilepsy Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 16+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Hospitals where these doctors practise

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,500

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Brain Tumor SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Brain Tumor Surgery
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Natesan Damodaran
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion
Gleneagles Global Hospital🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$4,500

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Brain Tumor SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Brain Tumor Surgery
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Nigel Symss
View Hospital Profile Enquire / Get Free Opinion

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for brain tumors (benign and malignant) treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

About the Procedure

What is Brain Tumor Surgery?

Brain tumor surgery involves the surgical removal of abnormal tissue growths (benign or malignant) from within the brain to relieve pressure, control symptoms, obtain tissue diagnosis, and improve survival outcomes. The specific technique chosen depends on tumor location, size, type, and proximity to critical brain structures. India offers advanced neuro-navigation, intraoperative MRI, and awake craniotomy facilities at a fraction of Western costs.

Who may be considered?

Brain Tumor Surgery may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.

How does it work?

A section of the skull is temporarily removed to access and remove the tumor under high-powered microscope guidance, using neuro-navigation for precision.

3 approaches available for this procedure:

Craniotomy with Microsurgical Tumor Resection

Most Common

A section of the skull is temporarily removed to access and remove the tumor under high-powered microscope guidance, using neuro-navigation for precision.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $400 - $900

Contrast MRI Brain, CT Brain, CBC, coagulation profile, ECG, chest X-ray, tumor marker tests (if applicable), pre-anesthesia fitness evaluation

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $8,500 - $16,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~7-10 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~4-6 weeks recommended
Total stay: approx 3-4 weeks in India

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Neurosurgeon and anesthesiologist fees
  • ICU and ward stay
  • Neuro-navigation and intraoperative monitoring
  • Standard implants (if required)
  • Post-op imaging

Usually Not Included

  • Radiotherapy or chemotherapy (if required post-surgery)
  • Airfare and visa costs
  • Long-term rehabilitation
  • Histopathology and molecular tumor profiling (sometimes billed separately)

Recovery and follow-up

Most patients spend several days in ICU followed by ward monitoring, with gradual mobilization and physiotherapy starting within days of surgery; a follow-up MRI is typically done before discharge and further oncology consultation may follow if the tumor is malignant.

Risks

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, seizures, temporary or permanent neurological deficits (speech, motor, or vision changes), and anesthesia-related complications, with risk level depending on tumor location and proximity to critical brain structures.

Alternatives

Depending on tumor type and location, alternatives may include stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife/CyberKnife), conventional radiotherapy, targeted chemotherapy, or a watch-and-wait approach with regular imaging for small, asymptomatic benign tumors.

What we need to prepare a formal estimate

Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.

Reports required

  • Recent MRI Brain with and without contrast (within last 4-6 weeks)
  • CT Brain scan (if available)
  • Histopathology report (if previous biopsy done)
  • Detailed neurological examination notes
  • List of current neurological symptoms and their duration
  • Previous treatment history (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy)
  • List of current medications, especially anti-seizure or steroid drugs
  • General health/comorbidity summary (diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues)

Patient information needed

  • Patient's age and full medical history
  • Exact tumor location and size (from imaging report)
  • Type of tumor if known (benign/malignant, grade)
  • Current neurological symptoms (seizures, weakness, speech/vision issues)
  • Any prior brain surgery or treatment history
  • Current medications and allergies
  • Preferred travel dates and accompanying attendant details
  • Insurance or budget constraints, if any

Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.

Want a formal estimate?

Share your reports and patient information so our care coordination team can review your case.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Brain Tumor Surgery) and procedure (Brain Tumor Surgery) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Brain Tumor Surgery in Chennai, India

What is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells that develops in or around the brain; it may be benign (non-cancerous but potentially harmful depending on size and location) or malignant (cancerous, with a tendency to grow aggressively and affect surrounding structures).
What are the symptoms and health risks of Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Common symptoms can include persistent or worsening headaches (often worse in the morning), seizures, changes in vision, speech or memory, unexplained nausea or vomiting, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and shifts in personality or cognition. The type, location, and size of the tumor strongly influence which symptoms appear, and some tumors may grow with few noticeable symptoms until they reach a significant size. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not confirm the presence of a brain tumor, and only a qualified clinician can determine the cause through proper evaluation.
How is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed neurological examination and a review of the patient's personal and family medical history, followed by advanced imaging—most commonly MRI with contrast, which can reveal the tumor's size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures. A CT scan may also be used, particularly in urgent settings. Definitive diagnosis and tumor classification—including grading on the WHO scale from Grade I (slow-growing, typically benign) to Grade IV (highly aggressive, such as glioblastoma)—generally requires a tissue biopsy, which informs prognosis and guides treatment decisions.
How is Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) treated?
Treatment depends on the tumor's type, WHO grade, size, location, the patient's overall health, and neurological status, and is best determined through a multidisciplinary team assessment. Surgical removal (resection) via craniotomy is a common primary approach for many tumors, aiming to reduce tumor burden, relieve pressure, and obtain tissue for diagnosis. Depending on the findings, surgery may be combined with or replaced by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or active surveillance, particularly for low-grade or inoperable tumors.
Can Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant) be treated without a procedure?
For certain low-grade or slow-growing benign tumors—especially in older patients or those with significant surgical risk—active surveillance with periodic MRI scans may be an appropriate initial strategy. Radiation therapy (including stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) and chemotherapy are established non-surgical or adjunct options, particularly for malignant tumors, recurrent disease, or tumors in locations that make surgical access difficult. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage swelling around the tumor, and anti-epileptic medications are commonly used when seizures are present. All non-surgical plans must be assessed and monitored by a specialist.
When is Brain Tumor Surgery considered for Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Brain Tumor Surgery may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
Brain tumors are primarily evaluated and managed by a neurosurgeon, and most treatment decisions are made within a multidisciplinary team that also includes a neuro-oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a specialist neuroradiologist. A neurologist may also be involved in ongoing symptom management, particularly for seizure control.
How do I choose a doctor for Brain Tumors (Benign and Malignant)?
When comparing providers, look for a neurosurgeon with documented experience in brain tumor resection and craniotomy, ideally affiliated with a hospital that has a dedicated neuro-oncology program, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and access to adjunct therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Confirm that the team offers structured post-operative follow-up, including repeat imaging and rehabilitation support where needed.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.
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