In yet another display of supreme excellence in healthcare delivery within the Sub-Saharan Africa region, the FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital in Accra-Ghana, established through the instrumentality of Nana Professor Boachie-Adjei and the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine has, on October 29, 2020, successfully conducted its first Brain Tumor Surgery.
The patient, a 54-year-old male, experienced severe headaches and weakness in the left part of his body, as well as memory and speech problems, leading to his eventual referral to the FOCOS Hospital. Medical investigations conducted resulted in him being diagnosed of a malignant brain tumor, that posed an overall risk of rapid growth capable of disrupting body function, especially mobility of the hands and legs. A resident Neurosurgeon at FOCOS Hospital who examined the patient, underscored the need for an urgent operation to confirm diagnosis and allow for further treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Without this, the patient could quickly deteriorate and lose his life.
The patient was scheduled for brain tumor surgery, with the aim of removing as much of the tumor as possible without damaging normal brain tissues. Doing this required a very high level of specialist skill and experience, advanced technology and a well-orchestrated team of Neurosurgeons and Anesthesiologists. A team of three (3) highly experienced Ghanaian Neurosurgeons at the FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital (Dr. Kwadwo Poku Yankey, Dr. Harry Akoto and Dr. Teddy Totimeh) performed a successful procedure known as right temporal craniotomy on the patient, utilizing some of the latest and most advanced imaging and monitoring systems for the gross total excision of the brain tumor in under three (3) hours.
Without adequate anesthesia care, the entire surgery may not have been possible. Dr. Irene Wulff, the Medical Director of the FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital, with 20 years of experience in Anesthesiology, led the process of administering anesthesia through high-level pain-blocking techniques, ensuring that the patient received the most appropriate type of anesthesia for the specific brain tumor. She was assisted by Dr. Liudmila Gross-Fernandez, a specialist Anesthetist at FOCOS Hospital.
Following the successful removal of the massive brain tumor, the patient has gone on to make a remarkable recovery, and living a normal life. The tremendous recovery milestone was largely due to the excellent post-surgical care the patient received at the well-quipped, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit and clinical ward of the Hospital. Currently undergoing radiotherapy, nearly all of his pre-operation symptoms including persistent headaches, seizures and early morning vomiting have ceased. He has regained the ability to utilize his left hand and leg, and is now able to walk normally.
In the years to come, FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital and its complement of world class medical specialists, will continue the pursuit of cutting-edge brain tumor surgery, leveraging advanced technologies and quality metrics for improved patient outcomes and quality of life.