Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia has successfully performed its first major brain surgery, saving the life of a 19-year-old patient who arrived in a deep coma with severe bleeding inside his skull. The landmark procedure, which involved removing more than 100 millilitres of blood clot, was confirmed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a briefing on the outcome of Monday's State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Patient Arrived in Deep Coma with Life-Threatening Bleeding
Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Uche, provided further details, revealing that the patient presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of six out of 15, which later dropped to five, indicating severe neurological impairment. The bleeding inside the skull was compressing the patient's brainstem, making the situation immediately life-threatening.
Uche explained that transferring the patient to another facility for treatment would likely have been fatal. "Because we now have facilities to undertake brain surgery, and then we have brain surgeons in the state employed by His Excellency, that surgery was done," Uche said.
Surgeons Remove Over 100ml of Blood Clot
During the procedure, surgeons evacuated more than 100 millilitres of blood clot from the patient's brain. Since the surgery, the young man has shown signs of recovery, including regaining movement in his limbs, while continuing treatment in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Officials described the surgery as a landmark moment for healthcare in Abia, reflecting years of investment in the facility. The hospital has undergone renovation and has been equipped with specialist personnel across fields including neurology and surgical services, as part of the Otti administration's wider push to reduce Abia residents' reliance on medical treatment outside the state.
Part of Broader Health Sector Transformation
Kanu described the surgery as part of a broader transformation under way in the state's health sector, driven by sustained investment from the Otti administration. The successful operation marks a significant step forward in the state's capacity to provide advanced medical care locally, reducing the need for residents to seek treatment elsewhere.
The patient continues to receive care at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, with officials expressing optimism about his ongoing recovery. The surgery underscores the state government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services for the people of Abia.
