NMC Dubai performs awake brain surgery, preserves patient’s motor function

Doctors at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, have carried out a high-precision awake brain surgery on a Dubai hotel employee, removing a complex brain tumour while preserving his motor functions.

Mr. Raymundo Omega, a long-time UAE resident, initially sought medical attention after unexplained fatigue progressed to neurological symptoms. Scans revealed a lesion in the right frontal lobe’s eloquent cortex, an area critical for voluntary movement.

Specialist neurosurgeon Dr. Sharath Kumar Maila described the complexity, saying “Our initial goal was to confirm the diagnosis through a biopsy. As the lesion involved the motor cortex, we had to meticulously plan the procedure to avoid neurological deficits”.

Using a robotic arm with neuronavigation, the team safely obtained a tissue sample, which confirmed a high-grade glioma.

Given the tumour’s location, an awake craniotomy was chosen to allow real-time monitoring of motor responses. Intraoperative ultrasound, fluorescence guidance and neuronavigation were used to map functional areas and guide the resection. A significant portion of the tumour was removed without impairing movement.

Remarkably, Mr. Omega was able to walk immediately after surgery and was discharged four days later.

“This was my first surgery, and I was initially very nervous,” he said.

“But the team gave me the confidence to move forward. Their care and support were truly exceptional".

Mr. Omega is now undergoing postoperative therapy as part of a multidisciplinary care plan.

Dr. Sharath stressed the importance of swift action in such cases. He said, “Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can significantly influence recovery and long-term outcomes”.