King's College Hospital Dubai Performs First Awake Craniotomy

Apr 10, 2026

72 min

Apr 10, 2026 07:31

First Awake Craniotomy at King’s College Hospital Dubai marks new era in brain surgery

## Pioneering Brain Surgery in Dubai

King’s College Hospital London Dubai has achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first awake craniotomy. This advanced brain surgery was performed while the patient remained conscious, allowing real-time monitoring of brain functions.

## The Procedure

The intricate five-hour surgery was led by Dr. Aneela Darbar, a senior neurosurgeon trained in the US, alongside a skilled team. The patient, a 35-year-old with a brain tumor causing seizures, was kept awake to help surgeons minimize damage to critical areas responsible for movement.

## Advanced Techniques

Prior to the operation, functional MRI imaging was utilized to evaluate the tumor's proximity to essential brain regions. The awake approach was chosen due to the tumor's location in the eloquent cortex, where boundaries were unclear. During surgery, intraoperative electrical stimulation helped map brain functions, with the patient performing simple movements to aid in preserving vital motor areas.

## Benefits of Awake Craniotomy

Awake craniotomy is one of the most sophisticated neurosurgical techniques, especially for tumors near speech and movement centers. Keeping the patient awake provides immediate feedback, reducing the risk of long-term neurological issues. Dr. Darbar emphasized the precision this method offers, enhancing patient outcomes by protecting critical brain areas.

## Impact on Healthcare

This achievement underscores the hospital's growing capabilities in advanced neurosurgical care and highlights Dubai's role as a regional hub for complex medical treatments. Patients can now access world-class care locally, without needing to travel abroad.

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