Young neurosurgeon achieves breakthrough in brain surgery at DHQ Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) In a major development for public-sector healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a complex brain tumor surgery that could not be successfully completed abroad has been performed at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

Amjad, a resident of Mansehra, had been working in Dubai for several years when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor located in a highly sensitive part of the brain. Speaking about his condition, Amjad said he initially underwent surgery at a well-known hospital in Dubai, where an Indian neurosurgeon operated on him for nearly eight hours under full general anesthesia. However, the tumor could not be completely removed.

While talking to media about his issue Amjad said after the procedure, MRI results suggested partial removal of the tumor, and he was advised that the remaining portion would be treated through radiation therapy. Unsatisfied with the outcome, he returned to Pakistan for further treatment.

At Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Teaching Hospital Abbottabad, consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Shah Khalid took over the case. While talking to the media, Dr. Shah Khalid explained that a fresh MRI conducted at the hospital revealed that only about 10 percent of the tumor had actually been removed, contrary to earlier assessments.

He said the patient was given the option of undergoing a second surgery, but due to the delicate location of the tumor, it was decided to perform the procedure while keeping the patient conscious. “If we had administered full anesthesia, there was a risk of permanent weakness in the patient’s hands and legs,” Dr. Khalid explained.

Describing the procedure, he added that the patient remained awake throughout the surgery, continuously communicating with the medical team and moving his limbs. This approach allowed the surgeons to monitor brain function in real time and avoid damage to critical areas.

Dr. Shah Khalid further told media that a follow-up MRI conducted on the second day after surgery confirmed that 100 percent of the tumor had been successfully removed. He noted that the patient did not experience any neurological deficit and remained fully conscious and stable after the procedure.

Amjad, expressing gratitude, said that he is now completely recovered and in good health.

Medical experts and local observers have termed the case a significant milestone for government healthcare institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the expertise and capability of local doctors in handling highly complex neurosurgical cases.