MUMBAI (AFP) - Indian surgeons who removed a massive brain tumour in a marathon seven-hour procedure said on Thursday (Feb 22) they believe it could be the heaviest ever recorded.

Neurosurgeon Trimurti Nadkarni told AFP the operation took seven hours to complete and the patient required 11 units of blood.

Mr Santlal Pal, a 31-year-old shopkeeper, had been carrying around a tumour weighing nearly two kilos before the surgery on Feb 14.

"It was an extremely daunting and complex surgery," said Dr Nadkarni, head of neurosurgery at Mumbai's BYL Nair hospital.

"After the patient regained consciousness, we researched and concluded this was the world's heaviest tumour to be reported so far."

The 1.87kg brain tumour had affected Mr Pal's vision and caused constant headaches.

"It was a rare operation and the patient has survived. Before the surgery, he had minimal vision, which may improve now," Dr Nadkarni said.