By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Jaber Hospital held a five-day workshop during which five delicate pediatric neurosurgeries were carried out, including one that was done for the first time in Kuwait. The procedure, called a rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove sensation from a painful nerve by killing nerve fibers responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. It was done on the back nerves of a child in order to alleviate the muscle cramps he is experiencing and help him move.

Jaber Hospital Neurologist Dr Aliaa Askar said such cases are rare but affect the general health of the patient, including their general functions and the nerves condition. She said the success rate in some cases may reach 80 percent. She added that the workshop was held under the supervision of the health ministry and aimed at learning from physicians with international experience in field of pediatric surgery.

Head of Jaber Hospital’s surgery department Dr Suleiman Al-Mazidi lauded the ministry’s role in bringing in the most competent doctors in addition to the best equipment to serve patients. He said the hospital seeks to attract Kuwaiti doctors along with inviting international experts to carry out delicate operations which contributes to reducing medical treatment abroad by presenting the best health services and most modern techniques to patients.

The visiting medical team carried out consultations for pediatric neurosurgery cases. The team also reviewed symptoms and diagnoses for cases to be operated on during the workshop. Askar hoped the ministry will continue to invite international experts in the future. Pediatric Neurologist and Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Arnold Palmer hospital in Florida Dr Samer Al-Baba said the visit was a consultative one where he carried out some surgeries. Dr Al-Baba said he prescribed the best medication for the cases he reviewed with assistance from the local team at Jaber Hospital.

He added that Jaber Hospital is a modern and advanced facility supplied with the best available equipment. Head of the neurosurgery unit Dr Ayoub Dixon lauded the efforts of brain and spine surgeons and their efforts in improving patient service. He added that the field of surgical technology will see more advancements in coming days in order to carry out complex, delicate surgeries.