Source: Major gains recorded in neurosurgical care – herald
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE has significantly strengthened its capacity to diagnose and treat brain tumours, with the number of neurosurgeons capable of performing complex brain surgeries increasing from just four specialists 15 years ago to about 30 today.
The expansion of specialist skills, coupled with improved medical technology and the growth of treatment centres beyond Harare, is giving more patients access to life-saving neurosurgical care and improving treatment outcomes for those diagnosed with brain tumours and other neurological conditions.
Specialist neurosurgeon Dr Aaron Musara said Zimbabwe’s neurosurgical landscape had undergone a major transformation over the past decade and a half.
“We have witnessed significant progress in the care of brain tumours over the past 15 years. We have moved from having only four neurosurgeons performing these operations to about 30 specialists across the country,” he said.
Dr Musara said specialised brain surgery services, which were once largely confined to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, were now available in several parts of the country.
“We now have neurosurgeons performing operations in Gweru, Mutare, Chitungwiza and Masvingo,” he said. “In addition, several private hospitals in Harare are offering brain tumour surgery.
“There have also been major improvements in cancer care, with more oncologists available to provide chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.”
The country’s growing neurosurgical capacity is already changing lives. For 64-year-old Mr Langton Makumbe of Sanyati, persistent headaches that initially appeared harmless later developed into a serious neurological condition requiring urgent medical intervention.
Mr Makumbe said he began experiencing severe headaches several years ago before developing memory loss, dizziness and behavioural changes. “I was referred to Parirenyatwa where a CT (computed tomography) scan showed that I had a cyst in the brain. I was afraid of undergoing surgery and decided to return home. However, the headaches became more severe and I started experiencing memory loss and dizziness,” he said.
“Eventually, I was admitted and underwent surgery. I had a lot of fear because of misconceptions surrounding brain operations, but after speaking to the doctors I gained confidence. Now I feel much better.”
Following detailed investigations at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, a team of neurosurgeons successfully removed the pressure-causing growth using advanced surgical navigation technology. Neurosurgeon Dr Nathaniel Zimani said the technology allowed surgeons to perform a safer and less invasive procedure.
“When Mr Makumbe came in, scans showed a growth in the middle of the brain. We explained that surgery was necessary to relieve the pressure,” said Dr Zimani.
“Using a navigation system, we were able to perform the operation through a small opening and safely decompress the affected area. That is why he experienced rapid relief after surgery.”
Dr Zimani warned that many patients continue to seek medical attention too late, reducing their chances of successful treatment.
“If he had delayed for a few more months, the condition had the potential to cause blindness or even sudden death. Many patients continue to present late when they are already very ill, which negatively affects treatment outcomes,” he said.
Brain tumours often present with symptoms such as persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, memory loss, confusion, visual disturbances and behavioural changes.
Specialists say many patients initially ignore or dismiss these warning signs, resulting in delayed diagnosis.
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