Doctors at Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Al Ghubra, Oman have successfully performed a complex skull base surgery on a 38-year-old Nigerian, Michael Ojabo. The surgery involved completely removing a rare tumour. It had spread from the nasal cavity into the brain and eye socket.
IT professional Michael Ojabo, had spent years seeking treatment for a progressively worsening condition identified as inverted papilloma that began in 2018. Doctors note cases of inverted papilloma invading both the brain and orbit are exceptionally rare worldwide.
What is Inverted Papilloma?
Inverted papilloma is a benign yet aggressive tumor that accounts for approximately 0.5-4% of all nasal tumours. It is most frequently seen in patients aged 40-60 years, with a significant predilection for males.
Inverted papillomas are quite rare, with only 0.75 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 people each year. They are one of three types of papillomas classified by the World Health Organization: exophytic (squamous), inverted, and oncocytic (also called cylindrical cell). Inverted papillomas are the most common. The tumor’s critical location and risk of complications makes the risk of complications very high.
Surgery
Aster Royal Al Raffah assembled a multidisciplinary team to plan the surgery and on May 24, 2025, a 11-hour operation was performed by an all-Omani and regional team, including experts in ENT, neurosurgery, eye surgery, and anesthesia. The tumor, which had spread to the brain and eye socket, was successfully removed using a mix of endoscopic and open surgical methods.
The surgery was led by Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, in collaboration with Dr. Shashivadhanan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, Dr. Alyaqdhan Al Ghafri, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Abdullah Al Jadidi, Consultant Neuroanesthesia, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Specialist Anesthesiologist, and Dr. Vidya Bhargavan Panicker, Specialist ENT.
Michael had his breathing tube removed the same day and was discharged from the hospital just five days later. A follow-up care plan was also arranged with doctors in Nigeria. His recovery was smooth, and follow-up scans showed that the entire tumor had been successfully removed. There was no damage to his brain or vision.
Experience
Reflecting on his experience, Michael Ojabo said “Choosing to come to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital for my treatment was truly life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe and cared for. The doctors took the time to explain every detail clearly, which gave me the confidence to move forward with the surgery. I am forever grateful to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital, Oman and the incredible medical team for giving me a second chance at life.”
Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, Aster Royal Al Raffah, who led the ENT surgical team, said, “Inverted papillomas most commonly present in patients between 40 and 60 years of age, making this case involving a 38-year-old patient slightly atypical but no less complex. What made it truly challenging was the tumor’s rare extension into both the brain and orbit. Successfully treating it required close collaboration among multiple specialties. This outcome reflects the advanced surgical and medical capabilities that Oman now offers.”
Dr. Khalil added, “Treating it successfully required precise collaboration across multiple specialties. The tumor, which had encroached upon the brain and orbit, was meticulously removed while protecting vital structures. In a testament to the team’s precision and post-operative care, Michael was successfully extubated on the same day of surgery and discharged within five days. Post-operative scans confirmed complete tumor removal, with no damage to his brain or vision. Today, his facial appearance has returned to normal, and he has resumed a healthy, active life.”
