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Best Neurosurgeons for Skull Base Tumor Surgery in Chennai, India

This page lists 3 skull base 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 3 skull base 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 Skull Base 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.

Skull Base Tumor Surgery doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. Ari G Chacko

MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India32+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 32+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
  • Currently serving as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, with a focus on complex brain and spine tumor surgery.
  • Previously served as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, delivering advanced neurosurgical care to patients across South Asia.
Expertise & Procedures
  • Brain Tumor Resection (Craniotomy)
  • Awake Craniotomy for Glioma Surgery
  • Skull Base Tumor Surgery
  • Pituitary Tumor Surgery (Endoscopic)
  • Endoscopic Brain Surgery
View all procedures →
Neurosurgeon Experience: 32+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer CentreHospital accreditation: NABH
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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$8,000

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
Skull Base Tumor SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Skull Base 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$8,000

Gleneagles Global Hospital

Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Skull Base Tumor SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Skull Base 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 skull base tumors 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 Skull Base Tumor Surgery?

Skull base tumor surgery involves the surgical removal of benign or malignant tumors located at the base of the skull, near critical structures such as the brainstem, cranial nerves, and major blood vessels. It is performed to relieve pressure on the brain, restore neurological function, and prevent tumor progression. The choice of surgical approach depends on tumor size, location, and involvement of surrounding structures. Leading Indian neurosurgical centers offer advanced endoscopic and microsurgical techniques with outcomes comparable to top global institutions.

Who may be considered?

Skull Base 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 minimally invasive technique using a nasal endoscope to access and remove tumors such as pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, or chordomas without external incisions.

2 approaches available for this procedure:

Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Minimally Invasive

A minimally invasive technique using a nasal endoscope to access and remove tumors such as pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, or chordomas without external incisions.

Comprehensive Investigations

Estimated cost: $500 - $1,200

MRI brain with contrast, CT scan of skull base, hormonal profile (for pituitary tumors), visual field testing, CBC, coagulation profile, ECG, anesthesia fitness evaluation

Treatment / Procedure Estimate

Estimated cost in India: $8,000 - $14,000

Stay in India

Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~5-7 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~3-4 weeks recommended
Total stay: approx 10-12 days

Usually Included in Hospital Package

  • Surgeon and neuro-anesthetist fees
  • Neuro-navigation and endoscopic equipment use
  • ICU stay and post-op monitoring
  • Standard room accommodation
  • Routine post-op imaging

Usually Not Included

  • Airfare and visa costs
  • Companion accommodation
  • Long-term hormonal or medication therapy
  • Advanced radiation therapy if required
  • Post-discharge rehabilitation

Recovery and follow-up

Patients typically require 1-2 weeks of hospital-based recovery followed by 4-8 weeks of rest before resuming normal activities, with regular follow-up MRIs and neurological assessments. Hormonal, visual, or speech rehabilitation may be needed depending on tumor location and extent of surgery.

Risks

Potential risks include cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, damage to cranial nerves or blood vessels, hormonal imbalance, and rarely, stroke or recurrence of the tumor. The multidisciplinary surgical team takes extensive precautions using neuronavigation and monitoring to minimize these risks.

Alternatives

Depending on tumor type and size, alternatives may include stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife), fractionated radiotherapy, or a watch-and-wait approach with regular imaging for small, asymptomatic tumors. These options are typically considered when surgery carries higher risk or the tumor is not accessible.

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
  • CT scan of skull base with 3D reconstruction (if advised)
  • Histopathology report, if a biopsy was previously done
  • Hormonal panel (for suspected pituitary tumors)
  • Visual field and cranial nerve function assessment
  • Audiometry report (for tumors near the ear/hearing nerve)
  • Detailed neurological examination notes
  • Current medication list and comorbidity history

Patient information needed

  • Patient's age and current neurological symptoms
  • Duration and progression of symptoms (headache, vision, hormonal changes)
  • Existing comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension
  • Previous surgeries or radiation therapy to the head
  • Any known allergies or anesthesia-related complications
  • Current medications, especially blood thinners
  • Family history of tumors or genetic syndromes
  • Availability of an accompanying caregiver during travel

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 (Skull Base Tumor Surgery) and procedure (Skull Base 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 Skull Base Tumor Surgery in Chennai, India

What is Skull Base Tumors?
A skull base tumor is a growth—benign or malignant—arising in or around the complex bony floor of the skull that forms the base of the brain cavity, an anatomically challenging area that houses major nerves and blood vessels.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Skull Base Tumors?
Symptoms vary considerably depending on the tumor's location and size, but may include persistent headaches, facial numbness or weakness, double or blurred vision, hearing loss or tinnitus, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or loss of smell. Some tumors grow slowly and produce minimal symptoms for years, while others cause rapid neurological deterioration. The presence or absence of these symptoms alone is not sufficient to confirm or rule out a skull base tumor—formal clinical and radiological evaluation is required.
How is Skull Base Tumors diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed neurological history and physical examination, followed by high-resolution MRI of the brain and skull base, often with contrast enhancement, and sometimes CT scanning to assess bony involvement. Additional studies such as MR angiography, PET-CT, audiological testing, or endocrine blood panels may be ordered depending on suspected tumor type—for example, pituitary tumors often require hormonal profiling. Tissue biopsy or surgical sampling may be necessary for definitive histological classification, which directly guides treatment planning.
How is Skull Base Tumors treated?
Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the tumor type, size, location, growth rate, and the patient's overall health and neurological status. Options range from active surveillance with serial imaging for small, slow-growing benign tumors to surgery (open skull base surgery or minimally invasive endoscopic approaches), stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations of these modalities for malignant or aggressive lesions. A multidisciplinary team review is standard practice for complex cases, and no single approach is appropriate for every patient.
Can Skull Base Tumors be treated without a procedure?
For small, asymptomatic, or slow-growing benign tumors—such as certain meningiomas or vestibular schwannomas—a strategy of watchful waiting with periodic MRI surveillance is a legitimate and widely used option. Stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) and conventional or proton-beam radiotherapy offer non-operative treatment alternatives for selected tumors that are not surgically accessible or where surgery carries prohibitive risk. Malignant skull base tumors, however, generally require a combination of surgery, radiation, and sometimes systemic chemotherapy, and rarely have a meaningful management pathway that avoids all procedural intervention.
When is Skull Base Tumor Surgery considered for Skull Base Tumors?
Skull Base 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 Skull Base Tumors?
Skull base tumors are typically evaluated and managed by a neurosurgeon with subspecialty training in skull base surgery, often working alongside a head and neck or otolaryngological (ENT) surgeon, a neuro-oncologist, and a radiation oncologist as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Endocrine involvement may also require an endocrinologist, particularly for pituitary-region tumors.
How do I choose a doctor for Skull Base Tumors?
When selecting a specialist or centre, look for a neurosurgeon or skull base surgical team with documented experience in both open and endoscopic skull base procedures, affiliation with a hospital that has intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and a dedicated neuro-intensive care unit, and access to a tumour board for multidisciplinary review. Clear communication about expected follow-up intervals, rehabilitation support, and what happens if the tumor recurs or progresses is equally important to consider.
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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