Sabah Makes History with Awake Brain Aneurysm Surgery

12 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has reached a historic milestone in neurosurgical care with the successful performance of an awake brain aneurysm clipping procedure, one of the most advanced brain operations ever undertaken in Borneo.

The high-risk and highly specialised surgery was carried out on 6 February 2026 through a collaboration between Hospital Queen Elizabeth II (HQE II) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The procedure was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon (Dr) Mohd Sofan Zenian, with neuroanaesthetic management provided by Dr Yeap Boon Tat, Consultant Neuroanaesthesiologist from UMS. They were supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, nurses, neurophysiologists and allied health professionals.

Unlike conventional brain surgery, awake aneurysm clipping requires the patient to remain conscious during critical stages of the operation. This enables surgeons to assess speech, movement and higher cognitive functions in real time while securing the aneurysm, thereby significantly reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage — particularly when operating near critical areas of the brain.

Mr Sofan said the awake approach allows for the immediate detection of neurological changes during surgery.

“By operating while the patient is awake, we receive instant feedback during clip placement. Should any neurological changes occur, we can immediately adjust our surgical strategy. This represents the highest level of precision and patient-centred neurosurgical care,” he said.

Dr Yeap emphasised that 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 patient 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.

“This achievement reduces the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state, lowering costs and improving access to high-quality care closer to home,” he said.

HQE II Hospital Director Dr Ferro Firdaus Ibrahim congratulated the teams on the landmark achievement, describing it as a proud moment for Sabah’s healthcare community. He said the successful procedure reflects the high standard of care delivered by HQE II as a recognised 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.

He added that the continued advancement of neurosurgical services and facilities in the state would further strengthen Sabah’s healthcare system.

“With the ongoing expansion and enhancement of our neurosurgical services in the near future, we are confident that healthcare standards in Sabah will continue to rise, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of our population,” he added.

Director of the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS), Dr William Gotulis, described the surgery as a major advancement for public healthcare in Sabah.

“This success highlights the impact of strong teamwork, specialised expertise and inter-institutional collaboration. It marks a significant step forward in delivering world-class care to Sabahans,” he said.

The 57-year-old patient from Tawau is reported to be recovering well, with no immediate neurological complications following the procedure.