Tunisia: Monastir: A first: Removal of brain tumor on awake patient

A medical team at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital in Monastir successfully removed a brain tumour from a patient utilising a modern anesthesia method that permitted the patient to remain awake during the procedure. This achievement was revealed by Mehdi Darmoul, the head of the neurosurgery department at Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital.

Dr. Darmoul clarified that the operation was conducted on a 17-year-old girl employing an advanced surgical technique. The patient stayed conscious throughout the procedure, which assisted in avoiding complications such as hemiplegia, a condition that can happen after tumour removal.

During the surgery, the patient was able to communicate and guide the medical team by moving her left hand and leg. This was enabled by the use of modern stimulation machines that allowed identification and avoiding the nerves controlling the hand and leg, assuring the safe removal of the tumour. Dr. Darmoul also remarked that a private clinic generously provided the necessary equipment at no cost.

He specified: “The operation, the first of its type in a public health establishment, lasted more than 5 hours with the participation of about 12 medical and paramedical staff from the Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital and an experienced private clinic, noting that it was an opportunity to train around ten young anaesthetists in this technique.”