Sabah Specialist Hospital Makes First with Awake Brain Surgery

nabalunews
Jan 6
2 min read

6 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: A major medical milestone was achieved by KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital by becoming the first private hospital in Sabah to successfully perform an awake craniotomy, marking a significant advancement in specialised neurosurgical care in the state.

The landmark procedure, a right awake craniotomy with tumour debunking, was carried out on 5 January 2026 and took approximately two hours.

It was led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Ananda Arumugam, with support from Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Critical Care and Pain Management Specialist Dr Aldred Soo, alongside a highly skilled multidisciplinary surgical team.

What made the procedure particularly remarkable was that the 39-year-old female patient remained fully awake throughout the surgery. During the operation, she was able to communicate clearly, sing the children’s song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, identify images displayed on an iPad, and express her gratitude to the doctors and surgical team in real time.

An awake craniotomy is a highly specialised neurosurgical technique typically performed when a brain tumour is located close to areas responsible for speech, movement or cognitive function. Keeping the patient awake allows surgeons to continuously monitor brain activity, ensuring critical functions are preserved while the tumour is safely removed.

Dr Ananda said active patient interaction during the procedure is vital to achieving the best outcomes. “By engaging the patient throughout the surgery, we are able to monitor neurological functions continuously and protect essential areas of the brain while effectively treating the tumour,” he said.

The successful completion of this procedure reflects KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital’s commitment to medical excellence, investment in specialised expertise and delivery of cutting-edge, patient-centred care. This achievement further strengthens the hospital’s position as a trusted tertiary healthcare provider in Sabah and the surrounding region.