The challenge of overcoming the language barrier for brain tumor awake surgery in migrants: a feasibility study in five patient cases

Objective: To assess the feasibility of awake surgery for a brain tumor in a population of non-French-speaking migrants in Paris, France.

Methods: The Lariboisière database of awake surgeries was retrospectively reviewed, from the first case in 2011 up to July 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients being migrated in France during their adulthood, patients being unable to speak neither French nor English. Clinical and radiological data were collected from the electronic medical charts.

Results: Five patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Pathological diagnosis included three glioma, one meningioma, and one melanoma metastasis. The standard awake protocol of our center was followed as usual, with the additional involvement of an interpreter at each step. In the five cases, the awake procedure allowed the surgeon to tailor the resection according to functional boundaries. Resections were complete in three cases and subtotal in two cases. No neurological deficits were observed. All patients returned to their preoperative socio-professional status.

Conclusions: Awake surgery for a brain tumor can be offered to migrants, in spite of the poor verbal communication between the patient and the caring staff. A team dedicated to awake surgery and including an interpreter is the key to successfully overcome the language barrier, before, during, and after the surgery.