In an operation lasting over four hours, a multidisciplinary team of Cuban neurosurgeons successfully removed a rare colloid cyst located in the third cerebral ventricle of Natalia Cabrera Rodríguez, a 16-year-old girl from Caibarién, who faced one of the greatest challenges of her life at the José Luis Miranda pediatric hospital in Villa Clara.
Natalia presented with symptoms of severe headaches, vomiting, and blurred vision. Tests revealed obstructive hydrocephalus caused by the growth of a cyst, a benign but complex lesion due to its location, which required delicate surgical intervention.
The colloid cyst of the third ventricle of the brain affecting Natalia is a benign but potentially dangerous lesion, due to its location in a critical area of the brain. Although it is not cancerous and typically does not spread, this type of cyst can obstruct the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a buildup that causes hydrocephalus — an abnormal pressure inside the skull that can result in severe headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, and even compromise neurological functions if not treated in a timely manner.
“They are uncommon cases, though benign, but difficult to treat due to their location”, explained to the journalist from the state-run newspaper Vanguardia Ricardo Rodolfo González, the Havana professor Enrique de Jongh Cobo, who led the intervention carried out last Saturday, June 21, alongside experts from Villa Clara and Cienfuegos.
The technique used was endoscopic neurosurgery, which is less invasive and offers better postoperative outcomes, allowing for a quick recovery. Natalia woke up immediately after coming out of anesthesia and has already been moved to intermediate care, in good spirits and showing favorable progress, according to reports from Dr. Ángel Camacho Gómez, who has been following the case from the beginning.
The operation was made possible thanks to a nationally manufactured neuroendoscope, developed by specialists from Cienfuegos using alternative components. Dr. Luis Enrique Llanes Gort from the Gustavo Aldereguía Lima hospital emphasized that, although this device does not compare to an international brand, it has allowed for lives to be saved without costing the over 500 thousand dollars that it would take to import one.
“The shortages have forced us to innovate. This tool is the result of our need and our commitment to life,” stated Llanes.
From Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santa Clara, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and neurosurgeons gathered with the sole purpose of saving Natalia. Dr. Ramón Sarduy Arango, head of Pediatric Neurosurgery in Villa Clara, described the experience as a professional challenge and a learning opportunity, but above all, as a mission for life.
"There were no territories or hierarchies here. Just professionals thinking about a girl who deserved to continue living without pain.", he concluded.
Frequently asked questions about brain cyst surgery in Cuba
What is a colloid cyst in the brain?
A colloid cyst in the brain is a benign lesion that typically forms in the third cerebral ventricle. Although it is not cancerous, it can obstruct the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus. This can cause symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, and blurred vision.
What was the operation performed on Natalia Cabrera in Cuba like?
The operation performed on Natalia Cabrera was an endoscopic neurosurgery conducted at the José Luis Miranda pediatric hospital in Villa Clara. This type of surgery is less invasive and offers better postoperative outcomes. The intervention lasted more than four hours and was successful, allowing for a quick recovery of the patient.
What technological innovations were used in the surgery?
During the surgery, a domestically manufactured neuroendoscope, developed by specialists from Cienfuegos, was used. This device was created with alternative components due to the shortages of medical equipment in Cuba, allowing the operation to be performed without the high costs of importing international technology.
What is the situation of the healthcare system in Cuba regarding complex cases?
The health system in Cuba faces serious limitations, especially in cases that require advanced technology and medical resources. The scarcity of essential supplies and medications hinders proper care for complex conditions, forcing doctors to innovate and families to seek international assistance for specific treatments.
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