Dallas-based neurosurgeon Ricky Kalra, MD, recently removed a "lemon-sized" tumor from a patient's spine in a complex procedure that lasted almost 10 hours, NBC affiliate DFW reports.
After being involved in a car accident, the man visited the ER at Texas Health Hospital Frisco, where X-ray images revealed a large Schwannoma tumor growing on his spine.
Left untreated, the tumor could lead to breathing and muscle problems and, in some cases, paralysis of the face, according to Dr. Kalra.
At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Dr. Kalra performed a laminectomy to remove the corroded vertebrae and a cervical fusion to connect several other vertebrae in the spine.
The fusion placed six screws and two rods in the man's spine. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation to regain neck strength.