Aster Hospital Mankhool performs complex brain surgery on Nigerian patient

UAE—A medical team at Aster Hospital Mankhool, ranked No. 5 on Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals in the UAE, has successfully saved a Nigerian patient suffering from a rare and life-threatening brain condition.

The 24-year-old, Emmanuel Nzeribe Okegbue, had been enduring frequent seizures, up to five times a week, alongside persistent headaches and dizziness.

After undergoing advanced diagnostic procedures, he was diagnosed with an intraventricular subarachnoid cyst—a fluid-filled sac—along with a malignant tumour in the left lateral ventricle of his brain, a rare and severe condition.

When Emmanuel first sought medical attention at Aster Hospital Mankhool, his symptoms were still severe, and he was experiencing both seizures and temporary losses of consciousness.

The six-hour surgery, which took place on August 10, 2024, was a highly complex procedure led by Dr Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan, Specialist Neurosurgeon at Aster Hospital Mankhool.

Dr Prakash Nair, a Consultant Neurosurgeon, and Dr Gopalakrishnan C V, a Consultant in Neurosurgery and spine Surgery joined him.

Due to the tumour’s rare location in the ventricular system—a delicate area within the brain—the surgery required an exceptional level of precision and expertise.

The surgical team performed a craniotomy, temporarily removing a portion of Emmanuel’s skull to access and remove the malignant tumor.

 After the tumour excision, skull reconstruction was performed, and a temporary drain was placed to manage excess brain fluid.

Emmanuel’s post-surgical recovery was promising. Although he briefly required ventilator support and management for hypertension, his overall progress was swift and stable.

Reflecting on the success of the surgery, Dr Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan acknowledged the challenges presented by Emmanuel’s case, particularly due to the rarity of his condition and the tumour’s critical location.

He explained that the ventricular system is an extremely delicate part of the brain, making surgeries in this region complex.

However, the outcome was ultimately a success, and the medical team was thrilled with Emmanuel’s recovery.

Expressing his immense gratitude, Emmanuel thanked Dr. Chelladurai and the entire medical team for giving him a new lease on life.

He shared how the seizures and headaches had deeply affected him over the past two years, leaving him in constant fear.

After the surgery, Emmanuel now feels hopeful about his future and is forever grateful to the doctors and staff for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time.

His successful treatment highlights the importance of specialized neurosurgical expertise and cutting-edge medical technology in addressing such complex cases.

The success of medical tourism in Dubai, as reflected by the 691,478 medical tourists welcomed in 2023, further emphasises the city’s growing reputation as a global healthcare hub.

According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), this number surpassed the previous year’s figure of 674,000, demonstrating Dubai’s continued rise as a top destination for world-class healthcare services

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