Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, New Delhi – India
About Dr. Ishwarchand Premsagar
Dr. I.C. Premsagar is a Titan in the field of neurosurgery, widely revered as a leading oncologist in India for brain and spine malignancies. With a colossal experience spanning over four decades, he has been at the forefront of introducing advanced neurosurgical techniques in the region. A Gold Medalist during his training, Dr. Premsagar combines profound academic knowledge with extensive international exposure gained in the UK, USA, and UAE. As a top cancer specialist in India, he is an expert in performing high-precision procedures such as Awake Craniotomy for tumours in eloquent brain regions, endoscopic removal of intraventricular tumours, and complex O-Arm guided spinal fixations. His mastery of CyberKnife technology offers non-invasive solutions for difficult-to-reach lesions, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in neuro-oncology.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- M.Ch. (Neurosurgery): King George’s Medical College (KGMC), Lucknow (Gold Medalist).
- M.S. (General Surgery): University of Lucknow.
- M.B.B.S: University of Lucknow.
- Commonwealth Medical Fellowship: Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom (Skull Base Surgery Unit).
- International Training: Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, USA.
- Advanced Training: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA (One of the world's top hospitals).
- Registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- National Faculty for Neurosurgery Training programmes.
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Malignant Gliomas (Glioblastoma)
- Meningiomas
- Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)
- Pituitary Adenomas
- Metastatic Brain Tumours
- Spinal Cord Tumours (Intradural, Extramedullary)
- Vertebral Metastases
- Skull Base Surgery
- Paediatric Brain Tumour Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (CyberKnife)
- Awake Craniotomy: Removing tumours while the patient is awake to preserve speech and movement.
- Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: Endoscopic removal of pituitary tumours through the nose.
- O-Arm Guided Spinal Fixation: High-precision spinal stabilisation.
- Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty: For vertebral collapse and fractures.
- Frame-Based & Frameless Stereotaxy: Precision guidance for deep-seated lesions.
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Ishwarchand Premsagar can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current Affiliation: Chief of Neuro & Spine, Oncology Services at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Delhi.
- Past Affiliations:
- Director of Neurosurgery, Thumbay Hospital / Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE.
- Head of Department (Neurosurgery), Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi.
- Consultant Neurosurgeon, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
- Fellow, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Academic & Research Roles
- Programme Director: Currently running the Post-M.Ch. Fellowship programme to train neurosurgeons in neuro and spine oncology.
- Educator: Established DNB and M.Ch. teaching programmes at RML Hospital, mentoring a generation of neurosurgeons.
- National Faculty: Serves as a primary educator for neurosurgical training across India.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Developed a full-fledged Neurosurgery hospital for the Thumbay Group in Ajman, UAE.
- Elevated the Department of Neurosurgery at RML Hospital to a centre of excellence.
- Pioneered the use of Neurophysiology Monitoring during surgeries of eloquent brain regions to prevent paralysis and speech loss.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Gold Medal: Awarded for excellence in M.Ch. (Neurosurgery) at King George’s Medical College.
- Commonwealth Medical Fellowship: Prestigious award for advanced training in the United Kingdom.
Recognitions & Honours
- Recognised for performing thousands of brain and spine surgeries with high success rates over 40 years.
- Regular Guest Speaker and Faculty at CME events and conventions (IMA Janakpuri, IMA Dwarka, IMA Lucknow).
Research & Publications
Dr. Premsagar is a dedicated academician with a wealth of knowledge shared through various platforms.
- He has authored numerous original publications in both national and international peer-reviewed journals.
- His research focuses on outcomes in skull base surgery and the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery for benign and malignant tumours.
- He is actively involved in clinical research regarding the preservation of quality of life in patients with malignant gliomas.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
- Notable Cases Handled
Dr. Premsagar is renowned for his "Awake Craniotomy" procedures. In one notable instance, he successfully removed a tumour from the speech area of a teacher's brain while conversing with her, ensuring she retained her ability to speak post-surgery. He is also celebrated for using Endoscopic Transnasal techniques to remove large pituitary tumours, restoring vision in patients who were on the verge of blindness.
Patient Testimonials & Feedback
- The Miracle of Awake Surgery
Feedback regarding Dr. I.C. Premsagar often centres on his calm and reassuring presence during Awake Craniotomy procedures. Patients describe the experience as surreal but comforting, knowing that the "best brain surgeon in India" was ensuring their speech and motor functions remained intact. The ability to return to professional life without deficits is a recurring theme in these reviews. - Vision Restored without Scars
Many international patients suffering from pituitary tumours have praised the endoscopic transnasal approach used by Dr. Premsagar. Reviews highlight the absence of external scars and the rapid recovery of vision. This minimally invasive technique is frequently cited as a major reason for choosing this leading oncologist in India for skull base conditions. - Compassion in Palliative Spine Care
For patients with metastatic spinal tumours causing severe pain and immobility, Dr. Premsagar’s intervention using Kyphoplasty and O-Arm guided fixation has been life-changing. Families express deep gratitude for his focus on pain relief and restoring mobility, allowing patients to enjoy a better quality of life. The support from Cancer Rounds in facilitating these complex surgeries is also highly appreciated.
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
- Patient-Centred Care
Dr. Premsagar operates on the philosophy of "Maximum Safe Resection." His goal is not just to remove the cancer but to ensure the patient retains their personality, speech, and mobility. He employs rigorous neurophysiology monitoring to protect vital brain functions. - Technology & Innovation
With 40 years of evolution in the field, Dr. Premsagar has embraced the latest technologies. He utilises the O-Arm for real-time 3D imaging in spine surgery and CyberKnife for non-invasive treatment of tumours, ensuring his patients have access to the most advanced care available globally.
Treatment Costs
The following table provides estimated cost ranges for neuro-oncology procedures. These are indicative prices and vary based on tumour size, location, and technology used.
Procedure / Treatment | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Craniotomy for Brain Tumour | ₹4,50,000 – ₹7,50,000 | $5,400 – $9,000 |
Awake Craniotomy | ₹5,50,000 – ₹8,50,000 | $6,600 – $10,200 |
Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 | $4,800 – $7,200 |
CyberKnife Radiosurgery | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,50,000 | $4,200 – $6,600 |
Spine Fixation (O-Arm Guided) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,50,000 | $4,200 – $7,800 |
Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | $3,000 – $4,800 |
For consultation fee or personalised cost estimates, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
Cancer Rounds provides a dedicated pathway for international patients seeking the expertise of Dr. I.C. Premsagar. Our comprehensive services include:
- Language Assistance: Cancer Rounds provides professional language interpreters for smooth and effective communication.
- Virtual Consultations: Arranging video calls to discuss MRI scans and treatment options before travel.
- Travel & Visa: Full assistance with medical visas and travel logistics.
- On-Ground Support: Airport transfers, accommodation assistance, and a personal care manager to guide you through the hospital processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Premsagar brings over 40 years of experience, including training in the UK and USA. His mastery of both open surgery and non-invasive CyberKnife technology allows him to offer the most appropriate, evidence-based treatment for complex brain and spine tumours.
You can book an appointment directly through Cancer Rounds. We manage his international patient schedule and can arrange for a preliminary online consultation to review your case.
Yes, Dr. Premsagar is an expert in Awake Craniotomy. This is a specialised surgery where the patient is awake during the procedure to help the surgeon map and avoid critical areas of the brain responsible for speech and movement.
Yes. Dr. Premsagar specialises in Endoscopic Transnasal (Transsphenoidal) surgery, where pituitary tumours are removed through the nose. This minimally invasive technique leaves no external scars and offers a faster recovery.
CyberKnife is a non-invasive robotic radiosurgery system used by Dr. Premsagar to treat tumours like Vestibular Schwannomas and Meningiomas. It delivers high-dose radiation with sub-millimetre accuracy, often requiring no anaesthesia or hospital stay.
Yes, he is a leading expert in Spine Oncosurgery. He treats intradural and metastatic spine tumours using O-Arm guided fixation to ensure the stability of the spine and preservation of nerve function.
Costs are significantly lower than in Western countries, typically ranging from $5,400 to $9,000 depending on complexity. Contact Cancer Rounds for a detailed, personalised estimate.
Yes, Dr. Premsagar has extensive experience in Paediatric Brain Tumour surgeries, handling delicate cases in children with extreme care and precision.
This is an advanced imaging technology used by Dr. Premsagar that provides real-time 3D images of the spine during surgery. It ensures accurate placement of screws and implants, reducing the risk of nerve damage.
Not at all. Dr. Premsagar is fluent in English, and Cancer Rounds provides interpreters for other languages to ensure clear and comfortable communication throughout your treatment journey.
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