Amazingly,
the neurology team in Melbourne, Australia have developed and perfected a new approach to the removal of these particular HH tumours. Previous surgery has approached the HH from below with poor results as damage to major blood vessels has resulted in strokes and damage to optic nerves have damaged vision.
The Melbourne team go through the top of the head, between the two halves of the brain and into a fluid filled sac called the third ventricle. This is where the HH sits and they are able to get a great view of it using the latest navigational micro surgery techniques. They are then able to remove it with much reduced risks of unwanted side effects, and a greater chance of total removal (previously very difficult with other approaches).[Click here to read the full technical description]
The amazing team of doctors in Australia have now operated on fourteen children since 1997 and most of these children are now seizure free. Naturally, as other parents around the world learn of the successes, their work and experience will grow.
It is too soon for George yet, but the other children who have had the operation have so far shown a much greater ability to learn, play and have fun once the seizures have stopped.
Our doctor at Great Ormond Street Hospital supported us in our efforts, and we felts it was the right thing to do. However, that meant a huge struggle to raise the funds to take all of us over to Australia for a few months and pay for the operation. Thankfully, with the amazing support of hundreds of people who helped us and donated nearly £20,000 in total we were able to do just that.
So for anyone who used our help and donations page in the past all we can say is: THANK YOU. You have played a huge part in helping to change all of our lives!