A MEDICAL team from the Miri Hospital recently performed the first-ever brain surgery (Awake Craniotomy) on a patient while they were fully awake.
This marks a major milestone in the country's medical achievements, bringing advanced neurosurgical care closer to home.
Undertaken on March 11, the procedure was led by consultant neurosurgeons Dr Manvinder Singh Mangat and Dr Lim Swee San, while the patient was a man diagnosed with seizures.
The patient had experienced seizure symptoms, and MRI scans detected a low-grade glioma tumour in the left superior temporal region of the brain, an area responsible for speech function.
To remove the tumour safely without affecting the patient's ability to speak, the team performed an Awake Craniotomy using advanced ECoG (Electrocorticography) and functional mapping.
“Because the patient was awake throughout, the surgical team could monitor speech in real-time, ensuring maximum tumour removal while preserving vital functions.
“We are grateful to share that the procedure was successful, and the patient was discharged home healthy, just two days later – with no speech deficits,” said Miri Hospital in a Facebook post.
This milestone meant that world-class care is now more accessible locally; patients and families can stay closer to home during challenging times; and Miri Hospital can continue its journey towards providing quality, advanced neurosurgery services for the region, it added.
The hospital also expressed its appreciation to the Miri Neurosurgical Services, established by Dr Manvinder in 2018 under the vision of the former Head of Neurosurgical Services, Sarawak, Dr Albert Wong.
Since then, the team has performed over 500 cases yearly—covering tumours, spine, and vascular issues—quietly serving thousands who once had to be transferred to Kuching.
The Neurosurgical Department of Sarawak General Hospital has performed more than 15 awake craniotomies since 2017 and generously shared their experience through their publication on awake craniotomy cases from 2017 to 2022. - March 18, 2026
