First awake brain surgery marks milestone for Miri Hospital

MIRI (March 16): It was a major milestone for Miri Hospital as its team had performed its first-ever awake craniotomy using electrocorticography (ECoG) and functional mapping.

Undertaken on March 11, the procedure was led by consultant neurosurgeons Dr Manvinder Singh Mangat and Dr Lim Swee San.

The patient was a man diagnosed with seizures.

“The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a low-grade glioma located in the let superior temporal region – the brain’s critical speech centre.

“To remove the tumour safely without affecting the patient’s ability to speak, the team performed an awake craniotomy using EcoG and functional mapping.

“Because the patient was awake throughout, the surgical team could monitor speech in real-time, ensuring maximum tumour removal while preserving vital functions.

“We are grateful to share that the procedure was successful, and the patient was discharged home healthy, just two days later – with no speech deficits,” said Miri Hospital in a Facebook post on Monday.

It pointed out that previously, patients from northern and central Sarawak requiring such complex brain surgery would have to travel to Kuching, or event to Kuala Lumpur – a journey that meant significant time, cost and separation from family support.

“This milestone meant that world-class care is now more accessible locally; patients nnd families can stay closer to home during challenging times; and Miri Hospital can continue its journey towards providing quality, advanced neurosurgery services for the region,” it added.

In the post, the hospital expressed appreciation to the Miri Neurosurgical Services, established by Dr Manvinder in 2018 under the vision of then-Head of Neurosurgical Services Sarawak, Dr Albert Wong.

“Since then, the team has performed over 500 cases yearly – covering tumours, spine and vascular issues – quietly serving thousands who once had to be transferred to Kuching.”

“This is not just a surgical milestone – it is a reminder that when we work together, complex care can be delivered closer to home,” said Miri Hospital.

It is informed that the Neurosurgical Department of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching has performed more than 15 awake craniotomies since 2017, and shared its clinical experience through its publication on this area of surgery from 2017 to 2022.

“The pioneering work at the SGH has laid the groundwork for procedures like this,” said Miri Hospital.