In a first, UK surgeons have removed a cancerous growth through a patient's eye socket using keyhole surgery—a groundbreaking medical success. Conducted at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, this pioneering surgery took only three hours and is a major development in the field of neurosurgery.

Ruvimbo Kaviya was the first UK patient to undergo this incredible surgery at 40 years old. Inside the cavernous sinus, this tumor was located in a severe and hard-to-reach area under the brain and behind the eyes. Before this, in many cases, tumors in that region were thought to be very aggressive or inopportune; their removal would require part of the skull to be surgically removed, so the risk related to seizure was high.

For a smooth execution of the surgery, preparation was key. The team went above and beyond to make sure that they were ready for the procedure. They used 3D models of Kaviya’s head and conducted extensive training in a cadaver lab.  The surgeons felt confident in their ability to perform the innovative approach once they realized the surgery was a team effort between physicians.

First in 2023 after constant migraine attacks, Kaviya was found to have meningioma. In October, later a tumor was found and Kaviya consulted specialists in Spain. After discussions, a new, less invasive surgical option was proposed, and the surgery was scheduled for February 2024. 

Although initially skeptical, Kaviya was determined to proceed with the operation, knowing that without it, the tumor could continue growing. “I just have to do this—it’s either I do it or it keeps growing, and maybe I will die,” she said.

After the surgery a few days later she was taken home from the hospital with just a little scar. The only permanent side effect was a brief double vision, which lasted roughly three months. Apart from that, there were no major problems or long-term effects.