KOTA KINABALU: Sabah achieved a major milestone in neurosurgical care with the successful performance of an awake brain aneurysm clipping surgery, one of the most advanced brain procedures carried out in Borneo.
The high-risk procedure was performed on Friday (Feb 6) through a collaboration between Hospital Queen Elizabeth II (HQE II) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
It was led by consultant neurosurgeon Dr Mohd Sofan Zenian, with neuroanaesthetic management by UMS consultant neuroanaesthesiologist Dr Yeap Boon Tat, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team.
Unlike conventional brain surgery, the awake technique keeps the patient conscious during critical stages, allowing surgeons to monitor speech, movement and higher brain functions in real time while securing the aneurysm.
This significantly reduces the risk of permanent neurological damage, especially when operating near critical brain regions.
Sofan said the approach enables immediate detection of neurological changes during surgery.
“By operating while the patient is awake, we receive instant feedback during clip placement. If neurological changes occur, we can immediately modify our surgical strategy.
“This represents the highest level of precision and patient-centred neurosurgical care,” he said.
Dr Yeap said the success of awake brain surgery depends heavily on expert neuroanaesthetic management.
“Awake neurosurgery requires meticulous planning, continuous communication with the patient and precise control of brain physiology.
“Achieving comfort while preserving neurological function is both technically demanding and critically important,” he said.
He added that the collaboration reflects Sabah’s growing capacity to deliver advanced neurosurgical care locally, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside the State.
Hospital Queen Elizabeth II Director Dr Ferro Firdaus Ibrahim described the operation as a proud moment for Sabah’s healthcare fraternity and said it reflects the hospital’s standard as a centre of excellence.
“This accomplishment showcases the depth of expertise, dedication and capability within HQE II.
“It reinforces our position as a leading referral centre committed to delivering world-class neurosurgical care to the people of Sabah,” he said.
State Health Department Director Dr William Gotulis called the surgery a major advancement for public healthcare in the State.
“This success highlights the impact of strong teamwork, specialised expertise and collaboration between institutions.
“It marks a significant step forward in delivering world-class care to Sabahans,” he said.
The 57-year-old patient from Tawau recovered well after the procedure, with no immediate neurological complications reported.
