Published: 47 mins ago

A team of local neurosurgeons at Chitungwiza Central Hospital has successfully removed a brain tumour from an 11-year-old girl, marking the first time such a complex procedure has been performed at the institution. The operation signals a major advancement for Zimbabwe's public health sector.

The surgery was led by consultant neurosurgeon Dr Brighton Valentine Nyamapfene, who described it as a "historic milestone" for the hospital's neurosurgery department, which was established only two years ago. The patient, an athlete, had been experiencing seizures and weakness on her left side. A CT scan revealed a glioma, a type of brain tumour, which was successfully removed during a four- to six-hour operation.

Dr Nyamapfene was assisted by anaesthetist Dr Tafara Zhou, assistant neurosurgeon Dr Panashe Mangozhe, and nurse Milliet Wagoneka, who led the nursing team. He highlighted that the patient's successful extubation immediately after surgery was a major indicator of the operation's success. The tumour has been sent for laboratory analysis to determine whether further treatment, such as radiotherapy, is required.

Until recently, complex neurosurgical operations like brain tumour removal were largely limited to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals or required patients to seek treatment abroad, often in South Africa or India, at considerable cost. The successful surgery at Chitungwiza Central Hospital demonstrates growing local capacity to perform advanced procedures, reducing reliance on foreign medical services.

Brain tumour surgery is considered one of the most challenging operations in medicine, as surgeons must remove abnormal tissue without damaging vital areas that control speech, movement, memory, or vision.

Chitungwiza Central Hospital's chief medical officer, Dr Raphael Makota, hailed the operation as a major achievement for local healthcare delivery. "About a year ago, the team performed its first craniotomy to remove a blood clot, and now they have successfully removed a brain tumour. This demonstrates that our institution continues to expand its range of services and can perform high-level operations safely in Zimbabwe," he said.

The patient's mother, Mrs Sophia Marongepo, expressed relief and gratitude, noting that her daughter's health had deteriorated over the previous three months. "We are very grateful to the doctors and nursing staff for saving her life," she said.

This milestone adds to Chitungwiza Central Hospital's growing record of medical firsts, including complex orthopaedic replacements and advanced laparoscopic surgeries, reinforcing its position as one of Zimbabwe's leading referral hospitals. The development reflects broader efforts within Zimbabwe's public health system to expand capacity and provide advanced treatments locally, reducing the need for costly medical travel abroad.
- Sunday Mail