Lusaka’s Maina Soko Medical Centre has made a remarkable achievement by successfully performing its first-ever awake complex brain surgery called Craniotomy. This procedure, where the patient remains awake and fully aware throughout the operation, is a testament to the hospital’s medical expertise.
A 28-year-old patient, diagnosed with a brain tumor, underwent this pioneering surgery. The team of experienced surgeons meticulously removed a small portion of the patient’s skull to access the tumor, with the patient staying alert and responsive, following the medical team’s instructions.
The patient was asked to perform simple tasks during the operation, such as moving their hands and responding to questions. This allowed the surgeons to monitor the brain’s critical functions in real-time, ensuring no damage was done to areas controlling movement, speech, or other vital abilities.
Maina Soko Medical Centre Commandant, Brigadier General Levy Muchemwa, praised the team’s efforts, calling the successful surgery a significant milestone. This achievement showcases the skill and dedication of the medical professionals at the centre, as well as the institution’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare services in Zambia.
