Good news out of Rome today as Leandro Castan has awoken from a successful brain surgery.
The defender had a cavernoma, a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain, removed during a three-and-a-half hour surgery performed by Dr. Giulio Maira in Rome this morning.
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Castan has not played since mid-September, when he complained of suffering from dizziness during Roma’s match against Empoli. He was substituted off at half time, and subsequent tests revealed the abnormality.
Roma released a statement today, via the club’s official website:Leandro Castan underwent neurosurgery this morning to remove the cavernoma discovered after the player complained of acute dizziness during a match.
The operation, which began at 8:30 am and finished at 12 pm, was carried out using a surgical microscope and neuronavigator, whilst the player’s neurophysiological activity was constantly monitored. The cavernoma itself, which measured 3 cm, was completely removed. This was confirmed by an MRI scan carried out immediately after the operation.
Castan has now woken up and is breathing unaided, and has been informed of the operation’s successful outcome. He will remain in intensive care for the next 24 hours, after which a prognosis will be formed.
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The 28-year-old Brazilian has been a stalwart on the Roma back line since joining the side in 2012, helping the club to a second-place finish in Serie A last season. During that run, Roma conceded 25 goals in in 38 matches.
Without Castan in the lineup this season, Roma have already conceded 16 goals through 13 league matches.
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While the Brazilian has surely been missed on the pitch for Roma, the club and everyone around the football world are only focusing on his health, and no timetable for a return has been set.
Hopefully we see Leandro manning the back line at Stadio Olimpico in the near future.
