Charlie Teo AM, MBBS
Olle A.
Olle, a 21-year-old Swedish student studying medicine, who first presented when he was 3 years old with a malignant ependymoma of the brainstem. He was seen by the most senior paediatric neurosurgeon in NSW at the time who stated very emphatically that the tumour was inoperable. He was given less than 6 weeks to live. The family consulted the most senior paediatric neurosurgeon in Sweden who referred Olle to Teo. Today, Olle is a bright and charming young man who is pursuing a career in medicine. He has never had a recurrence.
Pre Op
This tumour completely obliterates the normal brainstem and involves all the arteries feeding the brainstem. Ependymoma typically insinuates itself into every space, sulcus, cavity and foramen which makes a gross total resection impossible without the use of angled visualisation provided by an endoscope.
Post Op
After an 11-hour operation, the tumour was radically and completely removed. Unless ALL the tumour is removed, it will recur and will invariably result in the death of the child, sometimes years later but often quite rapidly.
Post Op
