Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai – India
About Dr. Ari G. Chacko
Dr. Ari G. Chacko is a distinguished neurosurgeon and the Director of Neurosciences, with over three decades of exceptional experience in the field. He is widely recognised as one of the best brain tumour surgeons in Chennai, having dedicated his career to advancing the microsurgical and endoscopic removal of complex brain, spinal cord, and skull base tumours. Dr. Chacko is a pioneer in refining intricate procedures such as awake craniotomy for gliomas, surgery for vestibular schwannomas with a focus on facial nerve preservation, and maximal safe resection of craniopharyngiomas. His expertise also extends to complex epilepsy surgery. As one of the leading neurosurgeons in India, Dr. Chacko is known for his collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, ensuring comprehensive and patient-centric care of the highest international standard.
Medical Degrees
- MBBS
- MS Surgery
- MCh (Neurosurgery)
Fellowships & Special Training
- Advanced Endoscopic Skull Base Workshop: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, USA
- Research Associate: Department of Neurological Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Visiting Observer: Department of Neurosurgery, Nordstadt Hospital, Hannover, Germany
- Visiting Observer: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Medical Center, Slovenia
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Gliomas
- Pituitary Adenomas
- Craniopharyngioma
- Vestibular Schwannomas
- Meningiomas
- Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumours
Sub-specialties
- Surgical Neuro-Oncology
- Skull Base Surgery
- Spine Surgery
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Paediatric Neurosurgery
Advanced Procedures Performed
- Microsurgical Tumour Excision (Brain & Spine)
- Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
- Awake Craniotomy for eloquent area tumours
- Epilepsy Surgery (including Hemispherotomy)
- Vestibular Schwannoma surgery with facial nerve preservation
- Surgery for Craniopharyngiomas
- Multilevel Oblique Corpectomy for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
- Craniotomy & Laminectomy
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:
Current Affiliations:
- Director – Neurosciences, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai (Present)
Past Affiliations:
- Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2022 - 2023)
- Professor, Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (2003 - 2022)
- Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (1999 - 2003)
- Lecturer, Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore (1994 - 1997)
Academic & Research Roles
- Research Associate: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA (1997-1999)
- Served in various academic capacities including Professor, Associate Professor, and Lecturer at Christian Medical College, Vellore, contributing significantly to neurosurgical education and research in India.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- A pioneer in refining and popularising awake craniotomy for brain tumours in eloquent areas.
- Extensive experience and published research on maximal safe resection techniques for challenging tumours like craniopharyngiomas and intramedullary spinal cord tumours.
- Championed a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with neurology, radiation oncology, endocrinology, and other specialities to provide holistic patient care.
- Author of a vast number of publications in prestigious national and international neurosurgical journals, significantly contributing to the medical literature.
- Dr. Chacko is highly recognised in the academic and clinical community for his extensive body of published research and his pioneering surgical work.
Published Papers in Medical Journals
Dr. Chacko has authored and co-authored over 80 publications. A selection includes:
- Clinical and radiological outcomes in 153 patients undergoing oblique corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (British Journal of Neurosurgery, 2013)
- Awake craniotomy and electrophysiological mapping for eloquent area tumours (Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2013)
- Outcomes of disconnective surgery in intractable pediatric hemispheric and subhemispheric epilepsy (International Journal of Pediatrics, 2012)
- The current role of transcranial surgery in the management of pituitary adenomas (Pituitary, 2012)
- Multilevel oblique corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy preserves segmental motion (European Spine Journal, 2012)
- The clinical significance of MIB-1 labeling index in pituitary adenomas (Pituitary, 2010)
- Pial and arachnoid welding for restoration of normal cord anatomy after excision of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 2007)
- The capsule of pituitary macroadenomas represents normal pituitary gland: a histopathological study (British Journal of Neurosurgery, 2003)
- Value of visual evoked potential monitoring during trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery (British Journal of Neurosurgery, 1996)
Patient Testimonials
- "Dr. Ari Chacko is a blessing. He performed an awake surgery to remove a tumour from my brain, and I was amazed by his skill and the team's coordination. He explained everything with such clarity and patience. I have recovered remarkably well, and I believe he is the best neurosurgeon in Chennai." - Anjali V.
- "My father was diagnosed with a complex spinal cord tumour. We were told the surgery was very high-risk. Dr. Chacko's confidence and expertise were reassuring. He successfully removed the tumour microsurgically, and my father is now walking again. His precision is unmatched." - Sameer K.
- "We came from Oman for my daughter's pituitary tumour surgery. Dr. Chacko and the team were fantastic. The endoscopic procedure meant a faster recovery with no visible scar. He is a truly world-class doctor with a very kind and compassionate approach." - A. Al-Balushi
Patient-Centred Care
Dr. Chacko is deeply committed to a patient-first philosophy. He believes in close interaction and clear communication, ensuring that patients and their families understand the condition and treatment plan thoroughly. His collaborative approach involves a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, holistic care tailored to each individual's needs.
Technology & Innovation
Dr. Chacko is at the forefront of neurosurgical innovation. He leverages advanced technologies like microsurgery, neuro-endoscopy, and intraoperative neuromonitoring to perform complex surgeries with maximum precision and safety. His pioneering work in awake craniotomies and facial nerve preservation techniques demonstrates his commitment to achieving the best functional outcomes for his patients.
Below is an approximate range for some common procedures performed by Dr. Chacko.
Treatment / Procedure | Estimated Cost (in INR) | Estimated Cost (in USD) |
Brain Tumour Surgery (Craniotomy) | ₹3,50,000 - ₹7,00,000 | $4,200 - $8,400 |
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | $4,800 - $9,600 |
Awake Craniotomy for Glioma | ₹5,00,000 - ₹9,00,000 | $6,000 - $10,800 |
Surgery for Epilepsy | ₹4,50,000 - ₹8,50,000 | $5,400 - $10,200 |
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumour Surgery | ₹5,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 | $6,600 - $12,000 |
Note: The above costs are indicative and subject to change. For consultation fee and appointment booking, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
The Cancer Rounds team is dedicated to providing seamless assistance to international patients seeking treatment under Dr. Ari Chacko.
Language Support: Access to professional translators ensures that language is not a barrier during your treatment journey.
Visa & Travel Assistance: The team provides support with visa invitation letters, airport pick-up and drop-off, and arrangements for local accommodation.
Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: To facilitate travel planning, Dr. Chacko is available for virtual consultations to review medical reports, offer a preliminary opinion, and create an initial treatment strategy.
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai - India
Spinal Cord Tumour
