First-Ever Brain Surgery Successfully Performed in Malta

Malta has successfully carried out its first-ever awake brain surgery, performed by a team of specialists at Mater Dei Hospital.

The procedure, known as an Awake Craniotomy, is a highly specialised operation used to safely remove brain tumours or lesions while preserving critical functions such as memory, thought, movement, and emotional recognition.

Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that during the intervention, patients remain awake and undergo monitoring and testing.

This allows doctors to remove as much of the tumour or lesion as possible without damaging vital brain functions.

According to Minister Abela, this approach improves long-term outcomes, increases survival chances, enhances quality of life, and helps patients return to work more quickly.

He also highlighted that Malta now has a dedicated team of specialists at Mater Dei trained to perform these delicate operations. This development means that patients can undergo advanced neurosurgical care locally, close to their families, without the need to travel abroad.

Moreover, recovery times are expected to improve, reducing delays between surgery and further treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Minister Abela thanked Dr Jasmina Djukic and the medical team, describing the breakthrough as a significant step forward in Malta’s healthcare system.

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