Sebokeng Hospital performs first brain surgery in over 40 years

The Sebokeng Hospital has made history after it performed its first brain surgeries on two patients in over 40 years. 

The surgeries were on patients who had subdural haematomas (bleeding on the brain).

The major milestone comes after the recent establishment of a neurosurgery unit at the hospital. 

Surgeries

Previously, Sebokeng Hospital referred patients in need of brain surgery to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the establishment of neurosurgery unit will see the reduction of the high prevalence of mortality and morbidity of traumatic brain injury patients in the Sedibeng District.

“As part of reclaiming the jewel of the Gauteng public health system one of our key focus areas is to ensure that our facilities function optimally and that infrastructure challenges are addressed as this has a direct bearing on positive health outcomes.” 

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Reduction in deaths

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sebokeng Hospital, Dr Fhatuwani Mbara, said many patients who presented at the facility with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) were passing away due to lack of immediate neurosurgical interventions.

“TBI patients were occupying ICU beds for a prolonged duration with no definite management plan because the majority of the patients require different types of operations ranging from skull, brain and spine surgeries.

“The newly established unit and the highly skilled team we have will ensure that we reduce head injury related deaths that are sustained by our patients, especially men of younger age groups,” said Dr Mbara.

Patients

The Gauteng Health Department said the first patient experienced weakness on the right side of his body and was unable to walk or talk, while the second patient was injured three months ago and had a subdural haematoma.

The Gauteng Health Department said the two patients have recovered well. 

“They were discharged this past weekend to spend time with their families at home,” the department said. 

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