The Base of Skull Service (BOSS) at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, took a pioneering approach to brain surgery by accessing a tumour through the patient's nose—a technique rarely used in children.
Tyree IHealthE was honoured to play a role in the innovative care provided to eight-year-old Issac Lee, who faced his third major brain surgery with remarkable bravery. Issac, diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a rare and complex tumour at the base of the brain, had already undergone two craniotomies. However, as the tumour grew again, the team at Sydney Children’s Hospital's Base of Skull Service (BOSS) sought a less invasive approach.
Led by Dr Catherine Banks and Dr Jacob Fairhall, the BOSS team proposed accessing the tumour through Issac's nose, a method more common in adults but rare in young children. To support this high-stakes surgery, the team collaborated with Tyree IHealthE and Dr Keng-Yin Lai to create a 3D printed model of Isaac's brain from his scans. This model assisted in surgical planning and helped Issac’s family understand the complexity of the procedure.
On the day of the surgery, Dr Banks utilised specialised tools to drill through dense bone, creating a pathway for Dr Fairhall to remove the tumour. After hours of work, the surgery was a success.
As Issac returns to school and continues to thrive, we at the Tyree IHealthE send our warmest wishes to him and his family. It has been a privilege to support the incredible work of Sydney Children’s Hospital and the BOSS team in their efforts to provide innovative paediatric care.
Read Daily Telegraph article: Making Issac better: How Sydney surgeons sought a window into eight-year-old’s brain (paywall)
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