Dr. Keki Turel

Dr. Keki Turel

Neurosurgeon

45+ years of experience

MBBS, MS, FIMSA, FRCS

Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Center, Mumbai – India Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Center, Mumbai – India

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About Dr. Keki Turel

Dr. Keki Turel is a world-renowned medical professional and a leading neurosurgeon in India, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to microneurosurgery. With a career spanning over four decades, he has witnessed and driven the evolution of neurosurgery from the pre-CT scan era to the modern age of advanced imaging. Dr. Turel is widely recognised as a top cancer specialist in India for successfully removing some of the world’s largest brain tumours, including two record-breaking cases weighing over half a kilo each. A Professor Emeritus at Bombay Hospital, he combines surgical brilliance with a “healer’s touch,” often reviving complex cases deemed inoperable by others. His expertise extends to intricate spinal surgeries and skull base procedures, making him a revered figure in the global medical community. He holds prestigious fellowships from the UK, USA, and India, and was awarded the Honoris Causa FRCS from Edinburgh without examination—a rare honour reflecting his mastery.

Qualifications & Credentials

Medical Degrees
  • MBBS – University of Mumbai.
  • MS (Neurosurgery) – University of Mumbai.
Fellowships & Special Training
  • FRCS (Ed) – Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (Honoris Causa).
  • FACS – Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, USA.
  • FICS – Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, USA.
  • FABCNS – Fellow of the American Board of Clinical Neurological Surgery, USA.
  • FAANaOS – Fellow of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons, USA.
  • FIMSA – Fellow of the International Medical Sciences Academy.
Certifications & Accreditations
  • Former President – Neurological Society of India (NSI).
  • Former President – Asian Oceanian Society of Skull Base Surgery.
  • Former President – Academia Eurasiana Neurochirurgica.

Areas of Expertise

Major Cancer Types Treated
  • Brain Tumours (Gliomas, Meningiomas, Schwannomas)
  • Skull Base Tumours
  • Spinal Cord Tumours (Intramedullary & Extramedullary)
  • Pituitary Adenomas
  • Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumours of the CNS
  • Cavernomas
Sub-specialties
  • Microneurosurgery
  • Skull Base Surgery
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Complex Spine Surgery
Advanced Procedures Performed
  • Radiosurgical Ablation (Gamma Knife / CyberKnife)
  • Microsurgical Removal of Giant Brain Tumours
  • Cranio-Spinal Surgery for Rosai-Dorfman Disease
  • Sub- and Retrochiasmatic Approaches for Suprasellar Tumours
  • Complex Facial Nerve Repair

Professional Experience

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
  • Current: Professor Emeritus & Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai.
  • Past: Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Bombay Hospital (1993–2011).
Academic & Research Roles
  • Conducted microsurgical workshops and lectures in over 60 countries.
  • Innovator of original surgical techniques and patented surgical instruments.
  • Engaged in setting up an International Neurosciences Centre in Mumbai.
Key Achievements & Contributions
  • Successfully removed two of the world’s largest brain tumours (1982 & 1996), setting global benchmarks.
  • Performed some of the longest neurosurgical operations on record, lasting up to 27 hours.
  • First Indian surgeon to operate on AIDS patients in the late 1980s, breaking significant stigma in medical care.

Awards & Recognitions

International Honours

  • Honoris Causa FRCS (Edinburgh, 2002) – Awarded without examination for lifetime achievement.
  • Past President of multiple prestigious international societies including the Asian Oceanian Society of Skull Base Surgery.

National Recognition

  • Recognised as a pioneer of Microneurosurgery in India.
  • Revered for his humanitarian approach and willingness to tackle "hopeless" cases.

Research & Publications

Published Papers in Medical Journals
Dr. Keki Turel has authored 12 key publications and numerous chapters.

  • Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the central nervous system: Report of two cases – (2009).
  • Posttraumatic facial nerve paralysis: Treatment options and strategies – (2005).
  • Sub- and Retrochiasmatic Approach for Microsurgical Removal of Large Suprasellar Tumors – Textbook Chapter (1991).
  • Radiosurgical Lesionectomy For Cavernomas Associated With Drug Resistant Epilepsy – (2020).
  • Cranio-spinal Rosai Dorfman disease: case series and literature review – (2017).

Patient Success Stories & Testimonials

  • Miraculous Removal of Giant Brain Tumour
    A patient presented with a massive intracranial tumour deemed inoperable by several institutions. Dr. Turel took on the challenge, performing a marathon surgery lasting over 20 hours. The tumour was successfully removed without causing neurological deficit. The family described him as a "God-sent healer," praising his conviction and the seamless support from Cancer Rounds that made the impossible possible.
  • Restoring Function in Spinal Cord Tumour
    An international patient suffering from severe paralysis due to an intramedullary spinal cord tumour sought Dr. Turel’s expertise. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, Dr. Turel removed the lesion while preserving the delicate spinal nerves. The patient regained the ability to walk. Feedback highlights Dr. Turel as a top cancer specialist in India for his unparalleled manual dexterity and compassionate post-operative care.
  • Pioneering Care for Complex Conditions
    Patients with rare conditions like Rosai-Dorfman disease affecting the spine have found hope in Dr. Turel. His deep understanding of such unique pathologies allowed for a tailored surgical approach. Families commend his willingness to listen and his holistic view of healing, which includes emotional and spiritual support, traits that define a leading oncologist in India.

Treatment Approach & Philosophy

  • Patient-Centred Care
    Dr. Turel is known for his holistic approach, often integrating his roles as a priest and healer. He treats patients with a philosophy that combines aggressive surgical intervention for the disease with gentle, compassionate care for the person. He is famous for reviving patients who have been "written off" by others.
  • Technology & Innovation
    A pioneer of microneurosurgery, Dr. Turel constantly pushes the boundaries of what is surgically possible. He has designed his own instruments to navigate the complex anatomy of the skull base and advocates for the use of modern radiosurgery alongside traditional operative techniques to ensure complete tumour eradication.

Treatment Costs

The following table provides estimated ranges for neurosurgical procedures.

Treatment / Procedure

Estimated Cost (INR)

Estimated Cost (USD)

Craniotomy (Giant Brain Tumour)

₹5,50,000 – ₹8,50,000

$6,600 – $10,200

Skull Base Surgery

₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000

$7,200 – $12,000

Microsurgery for Spinal Tumour

₹4,00,000 – ₹6,50,000

$4,800 – $7,800

Pituitary Adenoma Surgery

₹3,50,000 – ₹5,50,000

$4,200 – $6,600

Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife)

₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000

$4,200 – $6,000

Complex Spine Fixation

₹4,50,000 – ₹7,00,000

$5,400 – $8,400

For consultation fee or personalised cost estimates, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.

International Patient Assistance

Cancer Rounds is honoured to facilitate access to Dr. Keki Turel for international patients. Our premium services include:

  • Priority Access: Direct appointment scheduling with Dr. Turel, bypassing long waitlists.
  • Medical Visa Support: Expedited invitation letters for urgent travel.
  • Logistics Management: Airport pickup, local transport, and hotel booking near Bombay Hospital.
  • Language Interpretation: dedicated interpreters for Arabic, Russian, French, and African languages.
  • Virtual Consultations: Video calls to discuss MRI scans and surgical feasibility before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Turel is world-famous for removing two of the largest brain tumours ever recorded and for his pioneering work in microneurosurgery. He is a "surgeon of last resort" for many complex cases.

Yes, he has treated patients from over 60 countries and is highly experienced in managing the specific needs of international medical travellers.

It is a technique using high-powered microscopes and miniature instruments to perform surgery on tiny structures like blood vessels and nerves. Dr. Turel was the earliest pioneer of this in India.

Given his busy schedule, booking through Cancer Rounds ensures you get a priority slot and comprehensive assistance with your medical journey.

Yes, Dr. Keki Turel is a Past President of the Asian Oceanian Society of Skull Base Surgery and is considered a global authority on tumours located at the base of the skull.

Absolutely. Dr. Turel is known for taking on cases that others have declined. Cancer Rounds can arrange for him to review your case files remotely.

Dr. Turel has an exceptional track record with giant tumours, often achieving complete removal where others might only attempt partial resection.

Yes, Dr. Keki Turel is an expert in removing spinal cord tumours (intramedullary and extramedullary) and correcting spinal deformities.

Dr. Turel is a linguist and speaks multiple languages. For any language barriers, Cancer Rounds provides professional interpreters.

His 45+ years of experience, international fellowships (FRCS, FACS), and history of breaking surgical records make him a legend in the field of neuro-oncology.

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