Patiala has a large government medical college and hospital and several private centres, and many patients are first diagnosed there. Some families then want to hear the same scan explained by another neurosurgeon before agreeing to an operation. Others simply prefer to be treated closer to relatives in the Tricity. Both are good reasons to make the trip.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, sees patients from Patiala at Paras Health - Panchkula, Sector 22, and Advaith Brain & Spine Clinic, Sector 21. The drive is usually about one and a half to two hours.
A second opinion is not about finding fault with the first doctor. It is about making sure the family understands the diagnosis and feels confident about the plan. At the consultation, the MRI images are reviewed on screen, the findings are explained in simple language, and the possible paths are discussed: surgery now, a biopsy first, watching with repeat scans, or treatment with radiation or medicines.
Often the second opinion agrees with the first. When it doesn't, the reasons are explained clearly, so that the family can make an informed choice.
Because it is a long day, a little preparation makes the visit far more useful:
The usual route is the Patiala–Rajpura road, then the NH-44 to Zirakpur and on to Panchkula. A patient who has had a seizure should not drive.
Most operations are done through a craniotomy using an operating microscope and neuronavigation. Patients usually stay in the ICU for a day or two and in hospital for about four to eight days. For families coming from Patiala, it helps to arrange for one relative to stay nearby during the admission. Stitches are removed at around ten to twelve days, and the histopathology report then guides the next step, which may be planned with an oncologist. Details of the operation are on the brain tumour surgery page.
After recovery, follow-up visits are spaced out and timed with repeat MRI scans. Where possible, visits are planned so that the scan and the consultation happen on the same day, saving an extra trip from Patiala. General brain and spine information for Patiala residents is on the neurosurgeon near Patiala page.
The weeks after brain surgery are mostly about rest and steady progress. Keep the wound dry until the stitches are removed, take seizure medicines exactly as prescribed even if there has never been a fit, and avoid driving until the doctor clears it. Short walks at home help. Call for advice, or go to the nearest hospital in Patiala, if there is fever, fluid leaking from the wound, a new or worsening headache, increasing drowsiness, or a fit. A local family doctor can help with dressings and BP checks in between visits, using the discharge summary as a guide.
| Location | Days | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Advaith Brain & Spine Clinic, 1842, Sector 21, Panchkula – 134112 | Monday – Saturday | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Paras Health - Panchkula, near Nada Sahib Gurudwara, Sector 22, Panchkula – 134109 | Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Panchkula OPDs | Sunday | By appointment |
Phone / WhatsApp: +91-9780703819
It helps families understand the diagnosis and the options before a major decision. It is common and reasonable before brain surgery.
All MRI and CT films or CDs (old and new), biopsy reports, discharge summaries, eye and hormone reports, and a list of medicines.
Usually about one and a half to two hours by road via Rajpura and Zirakpur.
Where possible, yes. Visits are planned to reduce repeated trips for families from Patiala.
