Egyptian surgeons perform 'awake' brain tumor removal for first time in Upper Egypt
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A surgical team at Assiut University Hospitals successfully removed a brain tumor using
In a groundbreaking medical achievement for Upper Egypt, a specialized neurosurgery team at Assiut University Hospitals has successfully removed a brain tumor using the "awake surgery" technique. This marks the first time such an advanced procedure has been performed in the region.
The patient, a 50-year-old woman, suffered from a tumor located in a highly sensitive area of the left side of her brain. This region controls speech and movement, making traditional surgery risky and potentially impacting her ability to communicate or move.
University President Dr. Ahmed Al-Minshawi highlighted the operation as a significant step forward in precise brain surgeries. He explained that "awake surgery" is a cutting-edge global technique allowing surgeons to monitor vital brain functions during tumor removal, thereby minimizing the risk of neurological complications and preserving the patient's quality of life.
The "awake surgery" technique is one of the latest medical methods globally, allowing surgeons to monitor vital brain functions during tumor removal, reducing the likelihood of neurological complications and preserving the patient's quality of life after surgery.
The medical team utilized microscopic surgery, supported by advanced equipment to monitor the brain's electrical activity and track the neural centers responsible for movement and speech in real-time. This ensured maximum precision and safety during the tumor excision.
Remarkably, the patient remained fully conscious throughout the procedure, interacting and conversing with doctors normally. This allowed the surgical team to confirm the integrity of her neurological functions as the tumor was removed. The team included specialists from Assiut University, neurophysiology experts from Cairo University, and anesthesia and nursing staff, demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal medical outcomes.
The surgery concluded with complete success. The patient was discharged from the hospital retaining her motor and speech abilities without any neurological or cognitive deficits. She also stopped experiencing the seizures she had prior to the operation, adding this success to the medical achievements of Assiut University Hospitals in specialized fields.
It is unbearable to be imprisoned while my mother is so unwell.
Originally published by Al-Masry Al-Youm in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.