Manipal Hospital opens first-of-its-kind Skull Base Institute in Kolkata

Hidden deep within the human anatomy, where the brain, ears, eyes, major blood vessels and critical nerves converge, the skull base is among the most complex regions to treat surgically. Conditions affecting this delicate area often demand far more than a single-specialty approach, requiring the combined expertise of ENT specialists, neurosurgeons and oncological surgeons, supported by advanced surgical techniques and careful treatment planning.

Recognising the need for such integrated care, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, a unit of Manipal Hospitals Group, has launched the Manipal Skull Base Institute, the first of its kind in Eastern India, dedicated to the comprehensive management of complex skull base conditions and hearing disorders.

The institute brings multiple specialties and advanced surgical expertise under one roof, enabling patients to access coordinated care spanning diagnosis, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. 

As part of its specialised offering, the institute will provide comprehensive cochlear implant care for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who may not benefit adequately from conventional hearing aids, with the programme encompassing the complete continuum of care, from detailed hearing assessment and pre-operative evaluation to implant surgery, device activation, auditory rehabilitation and post-operative follow-up.

With individualised treatment plans for both children and adults, the approach aims to support speech, language and learning in children while helping adults improve hearing, communication and quality of life. By bringing these specialised disciplines and services together, the institute aims to facilitate collaborative diagnosis, precise treatment planning and comprehensive, coordinated care for patients with complex skull base and hearing-related conditions.

The institute will emphasise multidisciplinary evaluation, detailed diagnostic assessment, individualised treatment planning and advanced surgical management, depending on the patient's condition. By bringing together specialists from different disciplines, the centre aims to facilitate seamless decision-making for complex cases and provide patients with a comprehensive continuum of care.