Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai – India
About Dr. Nigel Peter Symss
Dr. Nigel Peter Symss is a highly distinguished and leading neurosurgeon in India, renowned for his surgical precision and academic depth. With over two decades of specialised experience, he has successfully performed close to 8,000 neurosurgical procedures, encompassing complex cranial and spinal surgeries in both adults and children. Dr. Symss is particularly celebrated for his expertise in the transcallosal approach to colloid cysts and ventricular tumours, a niche area where he holds significant authority.
His training is truly global, having completed prestigious fellowships in Japan (Paediatric Neurosurgery & Hydrocephalus) and Australia (Spinal & Functional Neurosurgery). He serves as a member of the “Hydrocephalus Research World Record Ranking Committee,” highlighting his status as a global thought leader. Patients seeking the best neurosurgeon in Chennai for complex brain tumours, hydrocephalus, or spine issues often seek Dr. Symss for his evidence-based approach and mastery of state-of-the-art neuro-navigation technologies.
OPD Schedule Of Dr. Nigel Peter Symss
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Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
Qualifications & Credentials
- MBBS
- DNB (Neurosurgery)
- Oi-Sami Fellowship (Japan, 2007): Specialised training in Paediatric Neurosurgery and Hydrocephalus research at Jikei University School of Medicine.
- Spinal Fellowship (Australia, 2011): Training in complex spinal surgery, neuro-navigation, and micro-neurosurgery at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide.
- Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship (Australia, 2014): Advanced training in functional neurosurgery and skull base surgery at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide.
- Member of the Hydrocephalus Research World Record Ranking Committee.
- Continental Editorial Board Member: International Journal of Hydrocephalus and Journal of Neuroendoscopy.
Areas of Expertise
- Colloid Cysts of the Third Ventricle
- Hydrocephalus (Paediatric and Adult)
- Brain Tumours
- Gliomas
- Meningiomas
- Ventricular Tumours
- Spinal Disorders
- Disc Prolapse
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinal cord Tumours
- Moyamoya Disease
- Brain Aneurysms
- Paediatric Neurological Disorders
- Functional Neurosurgery
- Paediatric Neurosurgery
- Complex Spinal Surgery
- Skull Base Surgery
- Neuro-endoscopy
- Transcallosal Transforaminal Surgery
- Micro-neurosurgery
- VP Shunt Surgeries
- Neuro-navigation Guided Spine Surgery
- Endoscopic Brain Surgery
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Nigel Peter Symss can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
Current Affiliation:
- HOD & Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Adyar and Perumbakkam, Chennai.
Past Affiliations:
- Consultant Neurosurgeon: Voluntary Health Services (VHS) Medical Centre, Chennai
- Fellow: Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia (Worked in the unit for 2.5 years utilizing state-of-the-art technology).
Academic & Research Roles
- Researcher: Conducted extensive research on Hydrocephalus and Shunt systems during his tenure in Japan.
- Editorial Board Member: Serves on the boards of international neurosurgical journals.
- Author: Contributed chapters to three neurosurgery textbooks and published over 24 papers.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Performed over 5,000 to 8,000 successful neurosurgical procedures.
- Mastered and published extensively on the transcallosal approach to colloid cysts, improving safety outcomes for this complex condition.
- Conducted pioneering research on CSF dynamics and shunt systems, contributing to the global understanding of Hydrocephalus.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Oi-Sami Fellowship Award (2007): Awarded by Jikei University, Japan, for excellence in Hydrocephalus research.
- Spinal Fellowship Award (2011): Awarded by Flinders Medical Centre, Australia.
- Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship Award (2014): Awarded by Flinders Medical Centre, Australia.
Recognitions & Honors
- Appointed to the Continental Editorial Board of the International Journal of Hydrocephalus.
- Invited speaker at numerous National and International neurosurgical conferences
Research & Publications
Published Papers in Medical Journals
- Is there an ideal shunt? A panoramic view of 110 years in CSF diversions and shunt systems... – Journal Name Not Listed (2014)
- Complication avoidance in transcallosal transforaminal approach to colloid cysts of the anterior third ventricle: An analysis of 80 cases – Asian Journal of Neurosurgery (2014)
- Isolated skull base primary Ewing's sarcoma: An extremely rare location – Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences (2013)
- Management of pediatric intracranial meningiomas: An analysis of 31 cases and review of literature – Child's Nervous System (2013)
- Theories of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and hydrocephalus: Historical trend: A review – Journal Name Not Listed (2012)
- Primary intrasellar schwannoma – Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice (2012)
- Pediatric multifocal glioblastoma multiforme with fulminant course – Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences (2012)
- Management of pediatric colloid cysts of anterior third ventricle: A review of five cases – Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences (2012)
- Management outcome of the transcallosal, transforaminal approach to colloid cysts of the anterior third ventricle: An analysis of 78 cases – Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery (2011)
- Multiple burr hole surgery as a treatment modality for pediatric moyamoya disease – Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences (2010)
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled
- Dr. Symss is renowned for his "Colloid Cyst Series," having successfully operated on over 80 patients using the transcallosal approach with excellent preservation of memory and cognitive function.
- Managed a critical case of Paediatric Moyamoya disease using multiple burr hole surgery (revascularization), which successfully halted stroke recurrence in the child.
Patient Testimonials
"Dr. Nigel Symss saved my life. I was diagnosed with a colloid cyst in the third ventricle and was suffering from severe drop attacks. His explanation of the transcallosal surgery gave me confidence. The surgery was flawless, and I was back to work in a few weeks. He is truly the best neurosurgeon in Chennai." - S. Ramanathan
"We were very worried about our son's hydrocephalus diagnosis. Dr. Symss’s experience in Japan was evident in how he handled the shunt surgery. He is kind, patient, and extremely skilled." - Mrs. V. Lakshmi
"I flew in from Sri Lanka for spinal surgery with Dr. Nigel. His diagnosis was precise, and the micro-neurosurgery technique he used relieved my leg pain immediately. The coordination through the hospital was excellent." - A. Perera
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care
Dr. Symss is committed to excellence in patient care, believing that a successful surgery starts with a precise diagnosis and a compassionate understanding of the patient's needs. He prioritises explaining complex neurological conditions in simple terms to patients and their families.
Technology & Innovation
Having trained in advanced centres in Australia and Japan, Dr. Symss utilises the latest neurosurgical technologies, including Neuro-navigation, Stereotaxy, and Advanced Micro-neurosurgical techniques. This ensures high precision, minimal damage to surrounding brain tissue, and faster recovery times.
Treatment Costs
Neurosurgical procedures are highly specialised. The costs below are estimates and can vary based on the specific hospital, implant choice (e.g., shunt type), and duration of stay.
Treatment Procedure | Approximate Cost (INR) | Approximate Cost (USD) |
Craniotomy (Brain Tumour Removal) | ₹ 2,50,000 - ₹ 5,00,000 | $ 3,000 - $ 6,000 |
Colloid Cyst Excision (Microsurgery) | ₹ 3,00,000 - ₹ 5,50,000 | $ 3,600 - $ 6,600 |
VP Shunt (for Hydrocephalus) | ₹ 1,20,000 - ₹ 2,00,000 | $ 1,450 - $ 2,400 |
Spine Surgery (Laminectomy/Discectomy) | ₹ 1,50,000 - ₹ 3,50,000 | $ 1,800 - $ 4,200 |
Functional Neurosurgery / DBS | ₹ 10,00,000 - ₹ 18,00,000 | $ 12,000 - $ 21,500 |
Paediatric Neurosurgery | ₹ 2,00,000 - ₹ 4,50,000 | $ 2,400 - $ 5,400 |
Note: These are estimated costs. For appointment booking and to get a personalised cost estimate, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
Language Support
Dr. Symss is fluent in English and Tamil. For patients speaking other languages, the Cancer Rounds team provides professional interpretation services to ensure clear communication.
Visa & Travel Assistance
Our team assists international patients with Medical Visa invitations, airport transfers, and finding accommodation near the hospital in Chennai to facilitate a smooth treatment journey.
Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations
International patients can arrange a preliminary video consultation with Dr. Nigel Peter Symss via Cancer Rounds. This allows for a review of MRI/CT scans and a discussion of the surgical plan before travelling.
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai - India
Spinal Cord Tumour
