ILOILO City – In a historic first for Western Visayas region and Panay Island, the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district successfully performed an awake craniotomy, a complex neurosurgical procedure that required the patient to remain conscious during brain surgery.
The groundbreaking operation was conducted on Thursday, July 17, and lasted approximately six hours. It involved the removal of a brain tumor located in the eloquent areas of the brain — regions responsible for essential functions such as speech, movement, and comprehension.
Leading the pioneering surgical team was Dr. Derek Ben Jabines, neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at WVMC, with Dr. James Mercado from Davao Doctors Hospital assisting. The core medical team also included Dr. Ceres Lucot-Laud, anesthesiologist, and Dr. Paul Christian Sobrevega, neuropsychiatrist.
What makes an awake craniotomy extraordinary is that the patient is kept conscious during the procedure — a crucial element that allows for real-time brain mapping. This technique enables surgeons to monitor and avoid damage to vital functional areas while ensuring maximum tumor removal.
Performing the procedure while the patient is awake gives the surgical team immediate feedback in order for them to map out brain functions like speech and movement, ensuring that they preserve what’s essential.
Awake craniotomy is often reserved for the most delicate and high-risk brain tumors, particularly those near or within areas of the brain that govern critical human abilities. Traditionally conducted only in highly specialized centers in Manila or abroad, the successful execution of the procedure at WVMC represents a leap forward for healthcare in the region.
This milestone marks not only a triumph of skill and coordination but a major step in elevating the neurosurgical capabilities of the Western Visayas.
The success of this procedure signals a brighter future for advanced neurosurgery in the region — bringing hope to patients who once had to travel far for life-saving brain procedures. More importantly, it underscores WVMC’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge medical care in the Visayas./PN
