Life-Saving ENT Innovation: Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty Performs Rare Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery on 1-Year-Old

sanjeev mohanty
Jun 24
4 min read

Introduction

Attention:

In an extraordinary medical breakthrough, a life-threatening condition in a one-year-old child from Odisha was resolved using a highly advanced ENT surgical technique.

Interest:

The infant was born with a congenital skull base defect, causing a portion of the brain to herniate into the nasal cavity—leading to blocked airways, risk of infections, and severe complications.

Desire:

Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head of ENT at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, led a successful minimally invasive trans nasal endoscopic repair—without traditional brain exposure or external incisions.

Action:

Continue reading to learn how this pioneering ENT surgery changed the life of a child and expanded the possibilities for advanced skull base procedures in India.

TL;DR: A one-year-old with brain herniation was successfully treated by Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty using endoscopic skull base surgery at MGM Healthcare, Chennai—setting a new standard in paediatric ENT care.

Understanding Skull Base Meningocele in Infants

In an extraordinary medical breakthrough, a life-threatening condition in a one-year-old child from Odisha was resolved using a highly advanced ENT surgical technique.

The infant was born with a congenital skull base defect, causing a portion of the brain to herniate into the nasal cavity—leading to blocked airways, risk of infections, and severe complications.

Skull Base Repair Using Endoscopic Techniques

Skull base meningocele is a rare congenital anomaly where meninges protrude through a defect in the base of the skull, often into the nasal cavity. Such cases, especially in neonates and infants, pose immense surgical challenges due to anatomical constraints and high infection risks.

This case involved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and a persistent nasal obstruction, pointing to the presence of a herniated meningocele. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary surgical plan were essential. Read more about meningocele

What Made This Surgery a Medical Milestone

🔍 Diagnosis & Planning: The child underwent neuroimaging to confirm the location and extent of the skull base defect.
🛠️ Technique: Using a paediatric endoscope, Dr. Mohanty accessed the herniation via a trans nasal route—avoiding open craniotomy.
🧬 Material Innovation: An artificial collagen dura substitute (Duragen) was used to seal the defect, eliminating the need for autologous graft harvesting. About Duragen
🚼 Post-Operative Care: With no signs of CSF leak or infection, the child was discharged within 48 hours—a rare recovery timeline for such procedures.

Why This Surgery Is a Milestone in ENT & Skull Base Surgery

✅ Avoided craniotomy in a 1-year-old
✅ Used minimally invasive approach
✅ Eliminated graft site morbidity
✅ Enabled faster discharge and recovery

Such advancements in ENT surgery not only improve safety in paediatric patients but also redefine recovery protocols and reduce hospital stays.

Implications for ENT in India

This case illustrates how cutting-edge ENT services in Chennai are expanding access for patients from eastern regions like Odisha. As more families seek advanced ENT care outside metro zones, the role of regional centers like MGM Healthcare becomes critical.

Advancing ENT Care in Chennai, Odisha, and Beyond

For more on CSF rhinorrhea, refer to NCBI's guide.

Key Takeaways for Parents and ENT Professionals

For parents: Early ENT evaluation of nasal obstruction or persistent infections can be life-saving.
For clinicians: Trans nasal endoscopic approaches using bio-dural substitutes are redefining paediatric skull base standards.

Book a Consultation with an Expert ENT Surgeon in Chennai

If your child or patient presents with rare ENT conditions, early consultation with an experienced ENT and skull base surgeon is critical. 📍 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty at MGM Healthcare, Chennai.

📞 +9197910 74677

or https://www.drsanjeevmohanty.com

About Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty

Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty (Head & Sr Consultant - ENT)

Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty is a Senior Consultant and the Head of the ENT Department at MGM Healthcare, Chennai. With extensive experience as an ENT surgery expert and a specialist in ear health, head and neck surgery, and voice disorder care, he is widely respected in the medical community. He holds memberships in the Association of Otolaryngologists of India and the Indian Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field. Dr. Mohanty’s career is marked by prestigious recognitions, including the National Travel Fellowship in 1996, and certifications from the European Board of Otolaryngology in 2004.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty has received multiple awards, including first prizes for his research and presentations at renowned conferences like AOICON and CIGICON. Known for his compassionate patient care, he provides advanced ear care in Chennai and is recognized as one of the best ENT surgeons in Chennai. His expertise in managing a wide range of ENT issues, including throat pain treatment and hearing disorders, makes him a trusted ear health specialist. Whether seeking solutions for chronic ear infections or voice disorders, patients benefit from his high-quality ENT hospital services and commitment to their health.