Patient plays violin in the middle of brain surgery

A patient at a British hospital played the violin while surgeons operated on her brain to remove a tumour.

It was done so parts of the brain which control delicate hand movements and coordination were not damaged.

After starting the operation under general anaesthetics, surgeons at King's College Hospital woke musician Dagmar Turne Dagmar Turner to play her violin.

"This was the first time I’ve had a patient play an instrument," said Professor Keyoumars Ashkan. "We managed to remove over 90 per cent of the tumour, including all the areas suspicious of aggressive activity, while retaining full function in her left hand."

Turner has now returned home to her family and is recovering well.