24 patients with brain tumors receive free surgeries

By Violet Nabatanzi

Up to twenty four patients with brain tumors have received free surgeries at Mulago hospital.

The patients were operated upon by a team of health experts from USA.

The twenty-member team led by Prof. Michael Haglund was meant to operate 30 patients with complicated brain and spine tumors, among others, during a one-week surgical camp. 

The team also came with specialized equipment to manage the patients.
 
Haglund said “this is our 9th visit and we have donated over 45 tunes of supplies plus equipment worth US6m approximately sh14bn.”

The children with hydrocephalus also benefited from the camp. A tumor in Nairobi can cost up to US$10,000 to 15,000 in USA the cost of the surgery can cost up to US$50,000 to 75,000.

Among the patients who benefited from the camp was a first year University student, Vergian Kengoma.
   
Speaking from her hospital bed after a 12-hour surgery, Kengoma said that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July this year at Naguru hospital after she complained of severe headache.

She added that some parts of her body were also paralyzed. She was then referred to Mulago for specialized treatment. 
Kengoma said she was feeling better after surgery.

Muhumuza said some of the signs of brain tumors include; headaches seizures, memory problems; nausea and vomiting; changes in speech, vision, or hearing among others.