T. S. Kanaka

T. S. Kanaka

Name	T. S. Kanaka
Birth name
Birth date	31 March 1932
Birth place	Chennai, India
Death date	14 November 2018
Death place	Chennai, India
Alma mater
Occupation	Neurosurgeon
Years active
Organization
Known for	First female neurosurgeon in Asia
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

T. S. Kanaka (31 March 1932 – 14 November 2018) was a pioneering Indian neurosurgeon, recognized as the first female neurosurgeon in Asia. Her contributions to the field of neurosurgery, particularly in stereotactic surgery and deep brain stimulation, have been influential in advancing medical practices in India and beyond.

Early Life and Education

T. S. Kanaka was born in Chennai, India, into a family that valued education and service. She pursued her medical degree at the Madras Medical College, where she developed an interest in neurosurgery. After completing her MBBS, she went on to specialize in neurosurgery, becoming the first woman in Asia to do so.

Career

Kanaka joined the Madras Medical College as a faculty member and later worked at the Government General Hospital in Chennai. Her career spanned several decades, during which she performed numerous complex neurosurgical procedures. She was particularly known for her work in stereotactic surgery, a minimally invasive form of surgical intervention that uses a three-dimensional coordinate system to locate small targets inside the body.

Contributions to Neurosurgery

Kanaka was instrumental in introducing and developing deep brain stimulation techniques in India. This procedure, which involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain, is used to treat various neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Her work in this area has helped improve the quality of life for many patients.

Research and Publications

Throughout her career, Kanaka published numerous research papers in national and international journals. Her work focused on the advancements in neurosurgical techniques and the application of new technologies in surgery.

Legacy

T. S. Kanaka's legacy is marked by her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing the field of neurosurgery. She paved the way for future generations of female surgeons in a field that was predominantly male-dominated. Her contributions have been recognized by various medical institutions and organizations.

Personal Life

Kanaka was known for her humility and dedication to her patients. She was deeply involved in social service and often provided free medical care to those in need. Her commitment to her profession and her patients earned her great respect and admiration.

Also see

• Neurosurgery
• Stereotactic surgery
• Deep brain stimulation
• Madras Medical College
• Women in medicine