Rare Brain Bypass Surgery at Manipal Hospitals, Baner Gives Pune Software Engineer New Life

32-year-old regains vision and resumes normal life after complex STA-MCA brain bypass

Pune, 11 June 2025: In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, have successfully performed a rare brain bypass surgery on a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune, giving him a second chance at life. The surgery not only stopped the recurrence of strokes but also led to the unexpected recovery of vision in one eye—a result that has amazed the medical fraternity.

---

Six Months of Silent Struggles

For over six months, the patient had been experiencing repeated, short-lived episodes of left-sided weakness, each lasting only a few minutes. These episodes were typically triggered by minor stressors such as dehydration or low blood pressure. What initially seemed like harmless fatigue was later identified as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)—commonly known as mini-strokes.

Following a full-fledged stroke, the patient lost vision in one eye, prompting a series of medical consultations. An MRI and angiography revealed a complete blockage in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), one of the brain’s critical vessels. Conventional treatments such as stenting or medication were not viable due to the complexity and location of the blockage.

---

A Rare Diagnosis: Moya Moya Disease

Doctors at Manipal Hospitals suspected the patient was suffering from Moya Moya disease, a rare and progressive cerebrovascular disorder that narrows brain arteries and leads to stroke-like symptoms. The condition is more commonly observed in Asian populations, particularly among young adults and children.

“Moya Moya is a rare condition where the brain tries to compensate for blocked arteries by developing fragile, tiny blood vessels, which are not enough to prevent strokes,” explained Dr. Amit Dhakoji, Head of Neurosurgery at Manipal Hospitals, Baner.

---

Complex Brain Bypass Surgery Offers Hope

Given the rarity and severity of the condition, the medical team decided to perform a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass, commonly referred to as brain bypass surgery. The technique is used in cases where no other conventional options are available to restore blood flow to critical brain regions.

“This surgery is very intricate. We had to reroute the superficial temporal artery—a healthy artery outside the skull—to connect it to a viable part of the MCA, beyond the blockage,” said Dr. Dhakoji. “This rerouting helped restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain. To our surprise and joy, the patient not only recovered quickly but also began regaining partial vision in the eye that was previously considered blind.”

The surgery was conducted by Dr. Amit Dhakoji, Dr. Shrey Kumar Shah, and their experienced team of neurosurgeons.

---

A Life Transformed

Following the surgery, the patient’s condition improved rapidly. The frequent ischemic episodes completely stopped, and his neurological function stabilized. Remarkably, the vision loss—which was assumed to be permanent—showed significant signs of recovery, marking a rare post-operative outcome.

“He has now returned to his normal life and even resumed work,” shared one of the team doctors. “Cases like these remind us why advanced neurosurgical intervention is critical—and life-saving.”

---

Commitment to Cutting-Edge Medical Care

Speaking on the success of this complex case, Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director of Manipal Hospitals, Baner, said:

“At Manipal Hospitals, we are committed to delivering world-class medical care, even in the most challenging cases. This surgery reflects the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced neurosurgical techniques, and patient-centered care. We take pride in being one of the few hospitals equipped to handle such rare and intricate procedures.”

Mr. Mote further emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, especially in young individuals exhibiting recurrent, unexplained neurological symptoms.

---

A Beacon of Hope for Future Cases

With the success of this surgery, Manipal Hospitals, Baner has once again demonstrated its capacity for handling rare and high-risk neurological cases. The case also serves as a reminder for individuals to not ignore minor neurological symptoms, especially when they occur repeatedly.

This surgery is expected to set a benchmark in stroke prevention and neurological care in the region. As Dr. Dhakoji noted, “Brain bypass surgery isn’t common—but when done right, it can literally save lives and reverse what seems irreversible.”

For a young software engineer, what started as unexplained weakness and vision loss has now turned into a story of medical triumph and human resilience.